Imphal, Jul 11 : Manipur Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh on Saturday said his government was taking all steps to ensure that all those involved in the killing of six Naga people in Kangpokpi district are arrested.
His comments came a day after a team of security officials led by the National Investigation Agency arrested two persons for their alleged involvement in the killings.
Interacting with reporters on the sidelines of an event in Imphal West district, the chief minister said he had visited Makhan village in Kangpokpi district along with MLAs of two communities to meet the bereaved families who identified five individuals allegedly involved in the incident.
Based on their information, two suspects have been apprehended, he said and added that necessary instructions have been issued to law enforcement agencies to ensure the arrest of the rest of the accused.
The bodies of six Naga civilians were recovered from the vicinity of Leilon Vaiphei village on June 10, triggering protests by Naga and Meitei communities demanding the arrest of the perpetrators.
The recovery was made a day after 14 Kuki individuals, who were abducted by armed groups in Manipur’s Senapati district nearly a month ago, were released.
These 14 Kuki people and the six Nagas were among others who were abducted following the killing of three church leaders in Kangpokpi district on May 13.
Earlier in the day, the chief minister launched a tree plantation programme at the SEEDS Complex, Olympian Park in Imphal West District.
“The initiative aims to promote environmental conservation through the plantation of Uningthou, the state tree of Manipur,” an official release said.
About the possibility of reopening Olympian Park, the chief minister said that while people are still hesitant about visiting places perceived as risky, the situation is gradually improving and expressed hope the park would be reopened to the public soon. (PTI)
