The mortal remains of six Naga men who were abducted on May 13 in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district were recovered on Wednesday afternoon after an intensive search operation involving around 450 personnel.
According to Manipur Police, the search operation was carried out by teams from the Manipur Police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and Assam Rifles, with assistance from sniffer dogs and forensic experts. The police said the remains were believed to be those of persons taken hostage from Leilon Vaiphei village on May 13.
Police also stated that the bodies were recovered after nearly 24 hours of sustained search operations. An investigation into the deaths is underway.
The incident, according to Ukhrul Times, traces back to May 13, 2026, when a group of villagers returning from a reception ceremony at Konsakhul Naga village were reportedly stopped at a bamboo gate erected across the road in Leilon Vaiphei village. According to reports, 18 persons- including men, women, and a child – were initially detained.
Following negotiations, the women and the child were released. On May 15, authorities reported the release of 28 hostages, including 14 Kuki and Naga civilians. The United Naga Council (UNC) also confirmed the release of 14 Kuki hostages on humanitarian grounds.
However, six Naga men – identified as Pastor Kenpibou, Rev Dr Manu Thiumai, Pastor Phenrongwi Thiumai, Dilip Thiumai, Kaliwangbou Abonmai, and Ch. Phenrilung – remained untraced until their remains were recovered on Wednesday near Kharam Vaiphei village in Kangpokpi district, according to reports.
Sources said the bodies were found in a severely mutilated condition, while eyewitness accounts alleged that the victims had been tortured and dismembered, UT reported. Police have not officially confirmed these details and have stated that further investigation is underway.
In a post on X, Manipur Police said, “The deceased are believed to be among those taken hostage from Leilon Vaiphei on 13 May, 2026.”
The recovery comes a day after the United Naga Council confirmed the release of 14 Kuki hostages and expressed hope that the remaining abducted individuals would also be freed. UNC president Ng Lohro had earlier appealed for the safe release of all hostages on humanitarian grounds.
A post-mortem examination of the recovered bodies will be conducted at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Imphal.
Nagaland CM Rio condemns
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio expressed deep sorrow over the killing of six Naga men in Manipur whose mortal remains were recovered following a search operation.
In a statement, Rio said he was “deeply saddened” by the tragic loss and strongly condemned the “heinous act.”
He extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, friends, and loved ones of the victims, stating that no family should have to endure such pain and anguish.
“This heartbreaking tragedy is a painful reminder of the hurt and suffering that violence leaves behind,” the Chief Minister said.
He prayed for the departed souls to rest in peace and expressed hope that the families would find strength to bear the loss.
Manipur Chief Minister condemns
The Government of Manipur has strongly condemned the killing of six Naga villagers whose mortal remains were recovered in Kangpokpi district on Wednesday, weeks after they were abducted from Leilon Vaiphei village.
Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh conveyed his deepest condolences to the bereaved families and described the incident as a “brutal act.”
He said the government would not tolerate such violence and assured that those responsible would be arrested and punished as per the law.
“The Government will not remain a mute spectator to these atrocities. Culprits responsible for the murder will be arrested and punished as per the law of the land,” the Chief Minister said.
The Chief Minister also noted that the investigation into the abduction case has been handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
In a separate incident, the Chief Minister also condemned the killing of a farmer from Lansan Kuki village under Tamei Police Station in Tamenglong district, allegedly by suspected armed miscreants.
He extended condolences to the bereaved family and said strict action would be taken against those involved in the killing.
United Naga Council calls 24-hour shutdown; sets charter of demands
The United Naga Council (UNC) has announced a 24-hour total shutdown across Naga-inhabited areas from 6 a.m. of June 11 to 6 a.m. of June 12, following the recovery of the mortal remains of six Naga men who were abducted in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the UNC strongly condemned the killing of the six men, stating that their remains were recovered in a “highly mutilated and dismembered condition.” The council described the incident as a gross violation of human rights and an affront to human dignity.
The UNC said the incident has deeply shaken public confidence in the government’s ability to ensure the safety and security of civilians, and termed it a direct challenge to the collective identity and security of the Naga people.
Declaring the shutdown as a peaceful protest, the council appealed to all citizens to observe the 24-hour bandh and extend solidarity with the affected families until justice is delivered.
The UNC further stated that it would not receive the mortal remains of the six men until its charter of demands is addressed by the Government of Manipur and the Government of India.
The charter of demands includes the abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with all Kuki militant groups, and the immediate arrest and prosecution of all individuals involved in the abduction and killing of the six Naga civilians and another person killed on the same day, including members of the KNF(P) and others allegedly involved in the May 13 incident at Leilon Vaiphei village. It also demands action against those involved in the abduction of 18 civilians, including two pastors.
The UNC further demanded the declaration of KNF(P) as a terrorist organisation and the immediate removal of Deputy Chief Minister of Manipur, Nemcha Kipgen, alleging conflict of interest linked to the leadership of the accused militant group, and stating that her continuation in office undermines public trust in the state government.
The council said the agitation would continue until justice is ensured for the victims and their families.
