Case of six missing Naga villagers to be handed over to NIA: Manipur CM

📌 Summary:

• Manipur CM Y Khemchand Singh told United Naga Council (UNC) leaders that the case of six missing Naga villagers from Konsakhul village (Kangpokpi district) will be handed to the NIA

• The probe into the May 13 killing of three Thadou church leaders in Kangpokpi district has also been handed to the NIA

• Kuki-Naga tensions spiralled after the church leaders' killing; villagers from both communities were abducted and held captive in Kangpokpi (Kuki-Zo majority) and Senapati (Naga majority) districts

• Both sides have released 14 people each; Naga groups in Senapati still hold 14 captives, demanding the return of the six missing persons they allege were abducted by Kuki militant groups; Kuki groups say all hostages are freed

• Search and rescue operations for the six missing villagers have continued since May 14; the CM appealed to Kuki leaders to cooperate

🎯 UPSC Relevance: GS3 Internal Security — ethnic conflict, insurgency and the role of central investigative agencies in Northeast India; illustrates the breakdown of law and order along community lines in Manipur.

📝 Prelims Facts:

• NIA (National Investigation Agency) — India's central counter-terrorism law enforcement agency, established under the NIA Act, 2008
• United Naga Council (UNC) is the apex body representing Nagas in Manipur
• Kangpokpi (Kuki-Zo majority) and Senapati (Naga majority) are districts in Manipur

🔑 Key Term: NIA — a central agency empowered to investigate terror and certain scheduled offences across states without prior state permission.