Imphal, May 29: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Thursday said four suspected persons linked to the kidnapping of six Naga civilians have been arrested.
Speaking to reporters, Singh said security forces were continuing search and combing operations to trace the hostages.
He said the government was treating the matter seriously and investigations were underway to identify and arrest others involved in the incident.
The chief minister also visited a relief camp for internally displaced persons (IDPs) at Makhan Baptist Church, where around 35 people are currently taking shelter.
The inmates include women and children from Konsakhul village who were earlier taken hostage and later released by armed miscreants.
During the visit, Singh distributed relief materials including rice, pulses, potatoes, onions, edible oil, sugar, tea leaves and biscuits.
He also inspected the village community hall and discussed arrangements for accommodating more displaced people with local authorities and village leaders.
The Deputy Commissioner of Kangpokpi was directed to provide essential supplies such as mattresses and mosquito nets.
The four arrested — Thangkhomang Khongsai (51), Seikholet Khongsai (40), Lunminthang Dimngel and Kamgoulal Khongsai (30) — are suspected to be active cadres of armed village volunteer groups in Kangpokpi and are believed to have been involved in anti-social activities such as extortion, criminal intimidation, and possession of arms and ammunition.
The arrests came days after the state government handed over the case related to the abduction of the Nagas, as well as the killing of three church leaders belonging to the Thadou community, to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
