Security forces in Manipur recovered the bodies of six hostages from the dense hills of Karam Vaiphei area. The victims were taken by armed groups nearly a month ago amid rising Naga-Kuki tensions. Identification and legal formalities are underway.
By PC Bureau
June 10, 2026 — In a grim development amid Manipur’s ongoing ethnic tensions, security forces recovered the mortal remains of six individuals on Wednesday afternoon following nearly 24 hours of intensive search operations in the hilly terrain of Kangpokpi district. The deceased are believed to be the Naga civilians abducted from Leilon Vaiphei village on May 13, 2026.
The massive operation involved approximately 450 personnel from the Manipur Police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and Assam Rifles. Teams were assisted by sniffer dogs and forensic experts, who combed through dense hill ranges northwest of Leilon Vaiphei and nearby areas such as Kharam Vaiphei, Songtun, Khunkho, and P. Molding villages. The remains were located in the Karam Vaiphei area, according to official sources.
The incident traces back to May 13, 2026, when armed groups allegedly abducted six Naga men from Leilon
Vaiphei, a Kuki-dominated village in Kangpokpi district. This occurred amid heightened Naga-Kuki tensions that spilled over from the broader ethnic conflict in Manipur, which has persisted since 2023. Reports indicate the abductions followed ambushes and attacks in the region, including incidents involving church leaders.
Naga organizations, including the United Naga Council (UNC) and the All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM), strongly condemned the abductions. They demanded the immediate release of the hostages and raised concerns over the village leadership’s role. The UNC had earlier called for disclosure of the hostages’ whereabouts, emphasizing that if they had been killed, their mortal remains should be handed over for dignified burial.
This event was part of a reciprocal hostage crisis. On the same day or around that period, 14 Kuki civilians were reportedly abducted from areas like Taphou in Senapati district. Those 14 were later released on June 9 through negotiations involving the UNC, church groups, and security forces. However, the fate of the six Naga men remained unknown until today’s recovery, fueling anxiety and protests across Naga areas.
The Search OperationSecurity forces launched sustained combing and area domination exercises shortly after the May 13 abductions. Operations included cordon-and-search in remote hill tracts, with arrests of suspected cadres reported as early as May 25. Despite these efforts, no trace of the hostages emerged for nearly a month, leading to growing frustration among affected communities.
The breakthrough came on June 10 after an around-the-clock push. Forensic teams are now examining the remains to confirm identities and determine the cause and time of death. Police have initiated necessary legal formalities, including post-mortem examinations, and a full investigation is underway to identify the perpetrators and circumstances of the deaths.
Manipur has been grappling with ethnic violence since May 2023, initially between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, which has since drawn in Naga groups and led to complex multi-factional clashes. The conflict has claimed hundreds of lives, displaced tens of thousands, and created deep divisions, including buffer zones and restricted movements. Recent months saw renewed flare-ups with ambushes, abductions, and targeted killings, even as a new state government under Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh attempted dialogue.
This recovery underscores the fragility of peace efforts. Naga civil society groups have observed shutdowns and protests, while Kuki organizations have voiced parallel concerns over missing persons and violence in their areas. The involvement of various armed factions, including alleged KNF(P) cadres in some reports, complicates accountability.
As news of the recovery spreads, families of the missing men from Konsakhul and other Naga villages are in mourning. Community leaders have called for swift identification and handover of remains so that last rites can be performed. Authorities have appealed for calm while urging all sides to cooperate with the investigation.
Manipur’s security apparatus continues extensive operations across hill districts to prevent further escalations and apprehend those responsible. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of the state’s prolonged instability and the urgent need for sustained dialogue and reconciliation among communities.
