Couple held in Manipur for alleged role in Nagas' killing

A joint team of National Investigation Agency, Central Reserve Police Force and Manipur Police on Friday arrested a couple from Manipur's Kangpokpi district for their alleged involvement in the abduction and killing of six Naga civilians.

A senior police official said the joint team launched an operation in Leilon Vaiphei village in Kangpokpi district during the early hours of Friday to apprehend the accused -- Pradip and his wife Ayingbi, both residents of Leilon Vaiphei.

Search and seizure procedures were carried out at their residence and nearby areas, while legal formalities are underway, the official added.


The bodies of the six Naga civilians were recovered on June 11 from a forested area in Kangpokpi district, nearly a month after they were allegedly abducted on May 13. The gruesome killings triggered widespread protests, counter-economic blockades and renewed tensions between the Naga and Kuki-Zo communities across parts of Manipur.

At least 50 people from the Kuki and Naga communities were taken hostage by different armed groups in Kangpokpi and Senapati districts following the violent incidents of May 13, during which three church leaders were killed and four others injured in Kangpokpi.