Security forces intensified deployments on Monday across parts of Churachandpur and Kangpokpi districts in Manipur amid reports of a suspected militant presence and an unfolding hostage crisis, officials said. Troops and police stepped up patrols and surveillance particularly in the Henglep area of Churachandpur after intelligence inputs indicated militant activity, sources added.
A Police Control Room statement said security personnel carried out combing and search operations “in continuation of the operations to rescue the missing persons” in the hill ranges to the north‑west of Leilon Vaiphei and Kharam Vaiphei villages in Kangpokpi district, and that search operations are continuing. Sources warned that a major operation could be launched as agencies maintain surveillance, combing and area-domination exercises across the sensitive terrain.
The heightened security measures follow reports that people from both Naga and Kuki communities have gone missing amid recent tensions. Community groups claim six Naga individuals and 14 Kuki individuals are currently missing and are allegedly being detained or abducted.
The state Home Department had earlier reported that initial counts suggested more than 38 people had gone missing after the violence; authorities later said 31 individuals had since returned. During a meeting with the United Naga Council at Senapati on May 15, the Home Department sought additional time to ascertain the exact number of persons who remain unaccounted for.
Security agencies say they are continuing intensive operations to trace the missing persons and restore normalcy in the affected areas. There were no arrests reported up to the time of filing this report.
Original Source: https://assamtribune.com/north-east/security-forces-step-up-combing-ops-in-manipur-hills-amid-hostage-crisis-fears-1611767
Category: North East,Featured
Tags:
Publish Date: 2026-05-18 17:04:00
