Manipur: Six Bodies Recovered in Kangpokpi, Feared to Be Missing Naga Hostages
The bodies were recovered during a large-scale search operation by security forces nearly a month after six Naga men went missing following ethnic violence in Kangpokpi district.
IMPHAL/KANGPOKPI: Security forces on Wednesday recovered the mortal remains of six persons from the Karam Vaiphei area of Kangpokpi district, raising fears that they may be the six Naga men who had been missing since mid-May amid escalating tensions between Naga and Kuki communities in Manipur.
Officials said the remains were recovered during an intensive search operation conducted by Manipur Police, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Assam Rifles personnel. Authorities have not yet officially confirmed the identities of the deceased, and forensic examinations are underway.
The incident is linked to violence that erupted following the killing of three Thadou church leaders in an ambush near Kotlen-Saheibung area on May 13. In the aftermath, several Naga civilians from Konsakhul village and surrounding areas were reportedly taken hostage at Leilon Vaiphei village.
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According to reports, around 18 to 20 Naga civilians were initially abducted. While women and several others were later released through negotiations involving community leaders and security agencies, six men remained unaccounted for despite repeated appeals by families and civil society organisations.
The disappearance triggered widespread concern among Naga groups, prompting protests and demands for urgent government intervention. The matter also reached the Manipur High Court, which directed the State Government to submit an Action Taken Report regarding efforts to locate the missing persons.
In a parallel development, Naga groups were also holding 14 Kuki civilians who had reportedly been taken from Taphou Kuki village in Senapati district. Following weeks of negotiations involving the United Naga Council (UNC), church organisations, civil society groups and security agencies, the 14 Kuki hostages were released on June 9 and handed over to authorities.
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The UNC stated that the decision was taken on humanitarian grounds following assurances from the Union Home Ministry, conveyed through the Nagaland Chief Minister and the Manipur Government, regarding continued efforts to trace the missing Naga men.
Following the release of the Kuki civilians, security forces intensified search operations in Kangpokpi district. Nearly 450 personnel from Manipur Police, CRPF and Assam Rifles reportedly conducted around-the-clock combing operations supported by sniffer dogs and forensic experts.
The six bodies were subsequently recovered from the hilly terrain around Karam Vaiphei. The remains have been shifted to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal, for post-mortem examination and formal identification.
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Police have launched an investigation, while legal procedures are underway. Officials said definitive confirmation regarding the identities of the deceased will depend on forensic and DNA examination results.
The latest development comes amid renewed tensions between Naga and Kuki communities in Manipur’s hill districts. The conflict is rooted in longstanding disputes over land, administrative boundaries, political influence and historical grievances dating back to the violent Naga-Kuki clashes of the 1990s.
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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…
— Manipur Police (@manipur_police) June 10, 2026
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Security agencies have expressed concern over the emergence of a new flashpoint in the state’s already fragile security landscape. Additional security personnel, including Rapid Action Force units, have been deployed in sensitive areas of Kangpokpi and Senapati districts to prevent further escalation.
Authorities have appealed for restraint as investigations continue. Community organisations on both sides are expected to closely monitor the outcome of the forensic examination and subsequent legal proceedings.
