Reported by Bit Irom
Imphal: A 50-year-old Naga villager who had been missing for four days was found shot dead in a forested area near Charoi Pandongba village in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on Monday, amid continuing ethnic tensions in the state.
The deceased, identified as Chumazalung Naga, was a resident of Charoi Pandongba under New Keithelmanbi police station. His body, bearing multiple bullet wounds, was recovered during a security operation in the area. Officials said his hands were found tied behind his back.
Chumazalung was among three Naga civilians who went missing following an armed attack at nearby Loibol Khullen village on June 5. While the two other missing villagers returned home safely, he remained untraceable despite search efforts launched by security forces and local residents.
Security personnel recovered the body at around 1:15 p.m. during a combing operation in the forested area near the village. Police and security forces immediately cordoned off the area and launched further search operations.
The killing has heightened tensions in parts of northern Manipur, where incidents of violence continue to be reported amid the state’s prolonged ethnic conflict.
The incident comes against the backdrop of a wider hostage crisis linked to the ongoing unrest. Reports indicate that around 20 individuals, including six Nagas and 14 Kukis, have allegedly been held captive by armed groups for nearly a month.
Authorities have not yet issued an official statement on the circumstances surrounding the killing. Further investigation is underway.