Still no lead : Govindas on hostage crisis
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 22 2026:
Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam on Friday appealed to all communities to ensure the safe release of civilians allegedly being held captive amid the ongoing tensions in the State.
Speaking to reporters, the Minister expressed concern over the abduction of six Naga civilians by suspected armed Kuki militants from Leilon Vaiphei village in Kangpokpi district on May 13 .
"There is still no lead regarding the six missing civilians," Konthoujam said, adding that security forces and Government agencies have been carrying out continuous operations to trace the missing persons.
Making a direct appeal to those allegedly holding the civilians captive, the Minister urged them to act on humanitarian grounds and release the victims immediately.
"We are all human beings and should believe in humanity and forgiveness.
If there has been any misunderstanding or mistake, it should be resolved peacefully.
I sincerely request those responsible to safely release the unfortunate civilians without delay," he said.
Meanwhile, hundreds of Kuki-Zo women on Friday staged a sit-in protest in Kangpokpi district demanding justice for three Church leaders killed in an ambush on May 13 .
The protest was organised under the aegis of the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), acting on behalf of Kuki Inpi Manipur.




