The mortal remains of six people, believed to be Naga men who went missing nearly a month ago after being abducted in Manipur's Kangpokpi district, were recovered on Wednesday following an extensive search operation by security forces.
The recovery came a day after 14 Kuki hostages, who had been held for 27 days, were released in a breakthrough that had raised hopes for the safe return of the six missing Naga men.
In a statement posted on X, Manipur Police said the remains were found after nearly 24 hours of sustained search operations involving around 450 personnel drawn from the state police, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the Assam Rifles. Sniffer dogs and forensic experts also participated in the operation.
“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,” the police said.
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The six men were allegedly abducted from Leilon Vaiphei village in Kangpokpi district on May 13 amid escalating tensions between Naga and Kuki groups following the killing of three church leaders and another individual in the area. The disappearance triggered widespread concern and protests, prompting intervention by civil society organisations and judicial scrutiny.
The Manipur High Court had recently sought an Action Taken Report from the state government on efforts to trace the missing men, while the case was also expected to be taken up by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
Officials said the recovered remains would be taken to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Imphal for post-mortem examinations and DNA analysis to establish their identities conclusively.
Police said legal formalities were underway and investigations would continue to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The recovery is likely to deepen concerns over inter-community tensions in the state, where the fate of the six men had become a major humanitarian and political issue over the past month. Security has been heightened in sensitive areas to prevent any escalation following the discovery.
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