Remains of Six Abducted Naga Men Found in Manipur

Imphal: Security forces discovered the remains of six Naga men in Manipur's Kangpokpi district on Wednesday. The recovery followed a massive 24-hour search operation involving 450 personnel from the Manipur Police, the Central Reserve Police Force, and the Assam Rifles, supported by forensic teams and sniffer dogs. Manipur Police confirmed the development on X, stating, "The deceased are believed to be among those taken hostage from Leilon vaiphei on 13 May, 2026."

The victims were identified as Pastor Kenpibou, Phenrongwi Thiumai, Rev. Dr. Manu Thiumai, Dilip Thiumai, Kaliwangbou Abonmai, and Ch. Phenrilung. Witnesses reported that the bodies were found in a severely mutilated state, making them difficult to identify. These men were part of a larger group of 18 people detained on May 13 after their vehicle was stopped at a bamboo barricade while returning from a reception ceremony at Konsakhul Naga village.

While women and a child were released shortly after the abduction, the six men remained missing as negotiations continued. This discovery comes one day after the release of 14 Kuki hostages in a move facilitated by the United Naga Council, tribal organizations, and church groups. The Manipur government had previously pledged to intensify search efforts and hold the perpetrators accountable for the incident. Authorities are now conducting further investigations into the deaths.