New Delhi: The bodies of six Naga men who had been missing since their alleged kidnapping in Manipur last month were brought to the Jawaharlal Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) in Imphal early on Thursday under heavy security. The recovery came a day after Manipur Police announced that the remains of six individuals had been found during an extensive search operation.
The search operation involved around 450 personnel from the Manipur Police, Central Reserve Police Force, and Assam Rifles. Sniffer dogs and forensic experts were also deployed during the operation.
Police said the deceased are believed to be among the individuals taken hostage from Leilon Vaiphei village on May 13. Authorities have initiated legal procedures and launched an investigation into the case. However, officials have not disclosed the exact location where the bodies were recovered.
Speaking to reporters, the Liangmai Naga Council president, Timothy Wizunamei, said the community was devastated by the recovery of the bodies. He said, “We have just received the bodies of those who were kidnapped on May 13. To our utter shock, they have returned to us as deceased, and the entire community is shattered.”
He also expressed frustration over the investigation, saying it took authorities 28 days to recover the bodies. According to him, community members had not been informed about the location where the remains were found.
The Nagaland chief minister, Neiphiu Rio, condemned the killings and expressed condolences to the families of the victims. “I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of the six Naga men whose mortal remains were recovered today. I strongly condemn this heinous act and extend my heartfelt condolences to their families, friends, and loved ones,” Rio said in a post on X.
Manipur has witnessed repeated incidents of violence and tensions between different communities in recent years. The situation remains sensitive in several hill districts, where security forces continue to deal with periodic clashes and law-and-order challenges.
The latest incident began after three Thadou church leaders were killed in Kangpokpi district, triggering a series of abductions involving Naga and Kuki civilians. While most of those taken hostage were later released, six Naga men from Leilon Vaiphei village remained missing until their bodies were recovered nearly a month later.