IMPHAL, AUG 27:

Manipur Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh on Thursday instructed security officials in the state to arrest and initiate action against those involved in the killing of four people in Kangpokpi district, an official statement said.

Singh held a high-level security meeting in connection with the killing of four Naga people in the Kuki-majority district.

Four members of the Liangmai Naga community were killed and one was injured when armed militants ambushed their vehicle in an isolated area between Makui Ashang and Thabamba Naga around 8.30 am.

“The government condemned the incident in the strongest terms… the chief minister instructed the security officials to nab and initiate action against the perpetrators of the crime,” the statement said.

It was also decided at the meeting to take stringent action against any individual, irrespective of community, found in possession of illegal arms and weapons.

Cadres of outfits under the SoO or peace talks with the government carrying weapons beyond their designated camps would be dealt with seriously and they would face action, the statement said.

Singh had on August 12 given a 15-day ultimatum to people to surrender illegal weapons.

The meeting was attended by Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam, Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh, DGP Mukesh Singh and others.

At least 260 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless since May 2023 due to ethnic violence in Manipur between the valley-based Meiteis and the Kukis who live in the hill districts.

Following continued ethic clashes and the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh, the state was placed under President’s Rule on February 13, 2025. It was lifted nearly a year later on February 4, and Y Khemchand Singh became the CM.

Initially, the Naga community kept its distance from the clashes between Meiteis and Kukis. However, the situation changed this year and they got embroiled in the violence. (Source: PTI)