Reported by Bit Irom
Imphal: Mortal remains believed to be those of six Naga men taken hostage on May 13 were recovered in Kangpokpi district on Wednesday after nearly 24 hours of search operations involving multiple security agencies.
The recovery was made during an intensive combing operation involving around 450 personnel from the Manipur Police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Assam Rifles. Sniffer dogs and forensic teams were also deployed as part of the search effort.
In a statement posted on X, Manipur Police said the deceased were believed to be among those taken hostage from Leilon Vaiphei on May 13.
The six men were identified as Pastor Kenpibou, Phenrongwi Thiumai, Rev. Manu Thiumai, Dilip Thiumai, Kaliwangbou Abonmai and Ch. Phenrilung.
Sources said the bodies were recovered in a severely mutilated condition. However, claims that the victims were tortured before being killed could not be independently verified by Northeast Now.
The recovery comes a day after 14 Kuki hostages were released in Senapati district following negotiations involving civil society organisations and appeals from church bodies and the Manipur government.
The six men had remained untraced since May 13, when a group of residents returning from a reception programme at Konsakhul Naga village was reportedly stopped at a bamboo barricade erected at Leilon Vaiphei village.
According to reports, 18 people, including men, women and a child, were detained during the incident. The women and the child were later released, while the six Naga men remained missing. A separate exchange subsequently led to the release of 14 Naga and Kuki detainees in Kangpokpi district.
The United Naga Council (UNC) had earlier said the release of the 14 Kuki detainees was carried out following appeals from the Baptist world community, Naga churches, tribal organisations and the Manipur government. The organisation also cited assurances from the state government that efforts to trace the missing Naga men would be intensified and those responsible brought to justice.
Police said further investigation is underway.