The bodies of six Naga men who were allegedly abducted by suspected Kuki militants from Leilon Vaiphei village in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on May 13 were recovered on Wednesday following an extensive search operation involving security forces.
According to an official statement, the mortal remains were found after nearly 24 hours of sustained search efforts carried out by around 450 personnel drawn from the Manipur Police, CRPF and Assam Rifles. Sniffer dogs and forensic experts were also deployed as part of the operation.
“The mortal remains of six persons were recovered this afternoon. The deceased are believed to be among those taken hostage from Leilon Vaiphei on 13 May 2026,” the statement said.
Police said necessary legal formalities are being carried out and investigations into the incident are underway.
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The recovery of the bodies brings a tragic end to weeks of uncertainty surrounding the fate of the six Naga men, whose disappearance had become a major point of concern for Naga civil society organisations and community leaders.
The development comes a day after all 14 Kuki men who had been held by a Naga group were released on humanitarian grounds in Senapati district. The release was facilitated by the United Naga Council (UNC) following extensive consultations involving Naga frontal organisations, tribal hohos representing various Naga tribes and government officials.
The 14 Kuki men had been taken into custody by a Naga group amid heightened tensions over the alleged abduction of the six Naga villagers from Leilon Vaiphei.
The UNC had earlier maintained that the release was guided by Naga customary values and humanitarian principles, despite growing anger within the community over the continued disappearance of the abducted men.
The recovery of the six bodies is expected to further intensify tensions in the region, where relations between Naga and Kuki groups have remained strained amid ongoing security and territorial disputes.
Authorities have appealed for calm while investigations continue to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and identify those responsible.
Source: EastMojo
