Security forces in Manipur recovered the bodies of six Naga men on Wednesday, nearly four weeks after they were abducted. The discovery came after an intensified search operation near Kharam Vaiphei village in Kangpokpi district.
Recovery Operation
Manipur Police stated that the recovery followed nearly 24 hours of sustained operations involving approximately 450 personnel from the Manipur Police, CRPF, and Assam Rifles. Sniffer dogs and forensic experts assisted the teams. The bodies were found near Kharam Vaiphei village.
The mortal remains are being transported to the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) Hospital in Imphal for post-mortem examination.
Official Reactions
Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen condemned the “unlawful killing of the six Naga hostages,” describing the “heinous act of violence” as having left “an indelible mark on the conscience of our society.” She appealed to all to reject violence.
The six deceased were identified as pastors Kenpibou Chawang and Manu Thiumai, Phenrongwibo Thiumai, Dilip Thiumai, Kaliwangbou Abonmai, and Ch. Phenrilung, all from Konsakhul Naga village in Kangpokpi district.
UNC Demands and Shutdown
The United Naga Council (UNC) announced a 24-hour total shutdown across Naga areas from 6 am Thursday, demanding justice for the victims and their families. The apex Naga body in Manipur stated that the mortal remains of the six victims will not be received until its charter of demands is addressed by both the Centre and the Manipur government. The demands include abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki militant groups, arrest and prosecution of those allegedly involved in the abductions and killings, and declaration of the Kuki group KNF-P as a terrorist organisation. It also demanded the immediate removal of Deputy CM Kipgen.
Condolences from Neighbouring States
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, who played a key role in the release of 14 Kuki men held captive by Naga groups on Tuesday, expressed deep sadness over the tragic loss. He strongly condemned the heinous act and extended heartfelt condolences to the families, saying, “No family should have to endure such pain and anguish.”
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma condemned “the brutal killing of six Naga civilians,” calling it a “senseless act of violence” that is “deeply disturbing and wholly unacceptable.” He noted that the tragedy occurred despite goodwill and sincere efforts by the UNC to foster dialogue and reconciliation.
Background of Tensions
The recoveries came a day after 14 Kuki individuals abducted by Naga armed groups in Senapati district on May 13 were released. The apex Kuki body, Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), condemned the killings and urged authorities to conduct a thorough investigation. KIM appealed for restraint and against speculation, reaffirming its commitment to peace and harmonious coexistence.
Tensions between the two predominantly Christian communities escalated after three church leaders from the Thadou Baptist Association India were gunned down in an attack that Kuki groups blamed on Naga armed outfits. In retaliation, a Chiru Naga civilian was shot dead in Noney district, and several other Naga villagers were abducted in Kangpokpi district. Subsequently, Naga groups abducted more than two dozen Kuki villagers in Senapati district.
On May 15, both sides freed 14 hostages each, but Naga groups continued to hold 14 Kuki villagers, insisting on the release of the six men they said had been taken by Kuki groups. Kuki organisations maintained that all their hostages had been released and denied knowledge of the missing Naga men.
The UNC, which facilitated the release of 14 Kuki men held in captivity, said the release followed a “commitment” from the Manipur government to trace the six missing men.
Separate Incident
In a separate incident in Senapati district, two trucks were engulfed in fire, and the two drivers are reported missing. The cause of the fire was not immediately known.
