Imphal: The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has accused the police of concealing the identities of suspects arrested in connection with the abduction and killing of six Naga civilians, alleging that the move was aimed at diverting public attention from the demand for justice.
Addressing a press conference at Lamphel, COCOMI convenor Y.K. Dhiren criticised the recent police statement on the arrest of two persons in connection with the case.
He alleged that the government was attempting to undermine the people’s movement and divert attention from the issue.
The police, in a joint operation with the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the CRPF, arrested a couple identified as Pradip and his wife, Ayingbi, from Leilon Vaiphei village in Kangpokpi district.
However, Dhiren rejected the police’s description of the accused, alleging that the couple belonged to the Kuki community and had been residing in Leilon Vaiphei for decades.
He claimed the authorities had concealed their full identities, leading to public confusion.
According to COCOMI, the six victims were among 18 civilians allegedly abducted from Leilon Vaiphei on May 13 before being handed over to an armed Kuki group. While 12 people were later released, the bodies of the remaining six were recovered on June 10.
Dhiren questioned why action had been limited to the arrest of the couple, claiming that residents of Konsakhul had already provided the authorities with the names of five other alleged suspects, including the village chief and a police officer.
He also criticised the delay in initiating legal action against the Leilon Vaiphei village chief, alleging that the authorities’ inaction had created mistrust among indigenous communities.
He further criticised Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh‘s recent remarks on the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement, describing them as irresponsible.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Khemchand Singh has assured protesters that security agencies are actively pursuing the remaining five suspects identified in the case.
Search operations are continuing in parts of Kangpokpi district under the supervision of the NIA.