IMPHAL: In a devastating and deeply disturbing development from conflict-torn Manipur, police have confirmed that six Naga civilians who were abducted by suspected Kuki militants over three weeks ago have been found dead. The recovery of the mortal remains of 6 Naga people just after one day of the release of the 14 Kuki civilians created anger amongst the Naga community. The six individuals were abducted from Leilon Vaiphei on May 13, 2026. It took nearly 24 hours of relentless, round-the-clock search operations to find them.
Manipur Police confirmed that around 450 personnel — drawn from the Manipur Police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and Assam Rifles — combed the area in a massive, coordinated effort. Sniffer dogs and forensic expert teams were also deployed to assist in the search.
“After nearly 24 hours of sustained search operations involving around 450 personnel of the Manipur Police, CRPF, and Assam Rifles, assisted by sniffer dogs and forensic expert teams, the mortal remains of six persons were recovered this afternoon. The deceased are believed to be among those taken hostage from Leilon Vaiphei on May 13, 2026,” police said in an official statement.
The moment the news broke, it spread like wildfire across the hills of Manipur.
Hundreds of grief-stricken people rushed to the Jawaharlal Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) in Imphal East, where the mortal remains were taken to the mortuary. The atmosphere outside the hospital was tense, emotional, and charged with sorrow and anger.
Sensing the situation could spiral, security forces were deployed in large numbers in and around the JNIMS premises to prevent any untoward incident and maintain law and order.
UNC calls shutdown — and refuses to receive the bodies
The United Naga Council (UNC) has responded with fury and grief. The apex Naga body has called a 24-hour total shutdown across all Naga areas of Manipur beginning 6 AM on June 11. Markets will shut. Roads will fall silent. The hills will mourn.
But in a deeply significant and emotionally charged decision, the UNC has also announced that it will not receive the mortal remains of the six civilians until the government fulfills their demands. The bodies of their own people will remain unclaimed — a protest in grief, a demand for justice.
It should be mentioned that, on June 9, 14 Kuki individuals were formally released following due procedures. They were handed over to Senapati Police and the District Administration by Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) of Senapati District. All necessary formalities — verification, medical examination, and security arrangements — were completed. The route was secured and they were safely transported to Taphou Kuki Village, where they were handed over to the village chief through a formal handing-over memorandum. The entire process was peaceful and coordinated.
A state on the edge
Manipur has been trapped in a cycle of ethnic violence, abductions, and retaliatory tension for over three years now. Today’s confirmation of the deaths of six Naga civilians is not just a tragedy for their families — it is a fresh wound on a state that is still struggling to heal from hundreds of older ones.
With the UNC shutdown beginning tomorrow morning, security forces on high alert, and hundreds of grieving people outside a hospital mortuary refusing to go home, Manipur is once again teetering on a dangerous edge.
