IMPHAL/SENAPATI, June 10: Tension gripped Manipur on Wednesday after the mortal remains of six Naga civilians, who had been abducted nearly a month ago, were recovered following an extensive joint search operation by security forces.
In a statement, Manipur Police said the remains were recovered on Wednesday afternoon after nearly 24 hours of sustained search operations involving around 450 personnel of the Manipur Police, CRPF and Assam Rifles, assisted by sniffer dogs and forensic teams.
“After nearly 24 hours of sustained search operations involving around 450 personnel of the Manipur Police, CRPF, and Assam Rifles, assisted by sniffer dogs and forensic expert teams, the mortal remains of six persons were recovered this afternoon. The deceased are believed to be among those taken hostage from Leilon Vaiphei on May 13, 2026,” the police said.
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The police did not disclose the exact location where the bodies were found or their condition, stating that legal formalities were being carried out and investigations were continuing.
The deceased are believed to be among the six Naga civilians who remained missing after a group of 20 Nagas, including women and a child, were allegedly abducted from the Leilon Vaiphei area in Kangpokpi district on May 13. Fourteen of the abductees were released on May 15, but the remaining six remained untraced until their bodies were recovered.
Naga organisations have accused Kuki militants, particularly the Kuki National Front (Progressive) [KNF-P], and residents of Leilon Vaiphei village of being responsible for the abduction and killings.
The recovery of the bodies came a day after 14 Kuki detainees, who had been held by Naga organisations as a pressure tactic to secure the release of the abducted Nagas, were released in Senapati district.
Following the recovery, large crowds gathered at the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) in Imphal East, where the bodies were expected to be brought.
Conrad condemns killing of 6 Naga civilians: Meanwhile, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Wednesday condemned the killing of six Naga civilians, terming it a “brutal” and “senseless act of violence”.
“This senseless act of violence is deeply disturbing and wholly unacceptable,” Sangma said in a statement.
The Chief Minister said the incident was more painful as it came despite efforts by the United Naga Council (UNC) to foster dialogue and reconciliation.
Sangma extended condolences to the victims’ families and stressed that violence had no justification.
Calling for peaceful resolution of differences, he added, “Lasting peace can only be built through mutual respect, dialogue, and a commitment to resolving differences through peaceful means rather than violence. May the departed souls rest in peace, and may their families find strength and comfort in this hour of grief.”
Reacting strongly to the development, the United Naga Council (UNC) announced that it would not receive the mortal remains until its charter of demands was addressed and justice delivered to the victims’ families by both the Manipur government and the Government of India.
The UNC also called a 24-hour total shutdown across Naga-inhabited areas from 6 am on June 11 to 6 am on June 12 as a mark of protest and to demand justice.
In a strongly worded statement, the council alleged that the six hostages had been murdered and their bodies recovered in a mutilated and dismembered condition. Describing the incident as a “gross violation of human rights” and a “sacrilegious and satanic act”, the organisation condemned the killings in the strongest terms.
The UNC demanded immediate abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with all Kuki militant groups and sought the arrest and prosecution of all KNF-P personnel allegedly involved in the abduction of 18 Naga civilians, including two pastors, from Leilon Vaiphei village on May 13. It also demanded action against Lalboi Vaiphei, chief of Leilon Vaiphei village, and others allegedly involved in the incident.
The council further demanded that KNF-P be declared a terrorist organisation and called for the removal of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen from office, alleging that her continuation would undermine public confidence in the government’s ability to address security concerns.
Expressing solidarity with the bereaved families, the UNC said the tragedy had caused immense pain to the Naga community and raised serious concerns about the safety and security of civilians.
“This tragedy has shaken the faith of citizens in the government’s ability to ensure the safety and security of innocent civilians. We consider this a direct challenge to the collective identity and security of the Naga people,” the council stated.
Security has been tightened across sensitive areas as authorities monitor the situation amid heightened tensions and growing demands for justice. (NNN)
