The bodies of six Naga community members, who were abducted on May 13 by armed groups from different tribal communities, were discovered in a forested area in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district. After an extensive search operation involving around 450 security personnel, the bodies were located near Kharam Vaiphei village, a Kuki-Zo tribal settlement in the Saitu-Gamphazol Sub-division.
Authorities stated that the deceased individuals were among those taken hostage from the Leilon Vaiphei area on May 13. The Manipur Police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and Assam Rifles participated in the search operation, which also included the deployment of sniffer dogs and forensic experts. The bodies are being transported to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal, for post-mortem examinations.
The recovery of the bodies occurred shortly after the release of 14 hostages from the Kuki community who had been in captivity for nearly four weeks. Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio had urged the concerned groups to ensure the safe release of the six Naga villagers who had been held captive since May 13.
Police officials confirmed that the 14 Kuki villagers were handed over to a police station in Senapati district by the United Naga Council (UNC) and the Naga People’s Organisation (NPO). Nagaland Chief Minister Rio emphasized the importance of reciprocal and humanitarian gestures for fostering trust, understanding, and dialogue among communities striving for peace and harmony.
