Refusing to receive the victims’ bodies until its demands are addressed, the UNC has accused KNF-P militants of involvement in the abductions and killings, further intensifying tensions in Manipur’s hill districts.
BY PC Bureau
June 10, 2026: Anger and grief swept across Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur on Wednesday after the bodies of six missing Naga men were recovered near Kharam Vaiphei village, prompting the United Naga Council (UNC) to announce a 24-hour total shutdown and issue a series of demands to the state and central governments.
The shutdown, called by the apex Naga civil body in Manipur, will be observed from 6:00 a.m. on June 11 until 6:00 a.m. on June 12 across all Naga-dominated districts and areas of the state.
In a statement, the UNC said the Naga people would not receive the mortal remains of the six victims or permit their burial until the Government of Manipur and the Government of India respond positively to its demands regarding accountability and justice.
The organisation described the killings as a “heinous crime” and condemned the condition in which the bodies were recovered.
“The six innocent Naga civilians taken hostage on May 13 have been recovered not only as lifeless human remains but also in highly mutilated and dismembered conditions. This is a gross violation of human rights and an affront to human dignity,” the UNC stated.
The council said the incident had caused immense anguish across Naga society and demanded immediate action against those responsible.
Key Demands
The UNC has placed several demands before the state and central governments, including:
- Immediate abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki militant groups.
- Arrest and prosecution of all members of the Kuki National Front–President (KNF-P) allegedly involved in the abduction of 18 Naga civilians on May 13 and the subsequent killing of six of them.
- Arrest of Lalboi Vaiphei, Chief of Leilon Vaiphei village, and other individuals allegedly linked to the incident.
- Prosecution of those responsible for the killing of Wilson Thanga Chiru at Joujangtek on May 13.
- Declaration of KNF-P as a terrorist organisation.
- Removal of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen from office on grounds of alleged conflict of interest arising from her marital relationship with KNF-P president Semtinthang alias Thangboi Kipgen.
The UNC argued that public confidence in the government would be severely undermined if decisive action is not taken.
The six men were among 18 Naga civilians, including two pastors, who were allegedly abducted on May 13 during violence in the Leilon Vaiphei area.
Twelve of the captives were later released, while the whereabouts of the remaining six remained unknown for nearly a month despite repeated appeals from Naga organisations and family members.
Their bodies were recovered on Wednesday, bringing a tragic end to weeks of uncertainty and sparking widespread outrage across Naga areas.
The UNC has alleged that KNF-P militants and certain local elements were responsible for the abductions and subsequent killings. These allegations have not yet been independently verified by authorities.
One of the UNC’s principal demands is the cancellation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement.
The SoO is a tripartite ceasefire arrangement signed in 2008 between the Government of India, the Government of Manipur and several Kuki militant groups. Under the agreement, armed groups are required to cease hostilities, remain within designated camps, and engage in political dialogue with the government.
Supporters view the arrangement as a mechanism for maintaining peace and facilitating negotiations, while critics have repeatedly alleged that some armed groups have violated its provisions and continued to operate outside designated camps.
The future of the SoO agreement has become increasingly contentious amid rising ethnic tensions in Manipur.
Part of a Wider Ethnic Conflict
The latest killings occur against the backdrop of longstanding tensions between Naga and Kuki communities in Manipur’s hill districts.
Although disputes over land, administrative boundaries and political representation have existed for decades, relations have deteriorated sharply in recent years, with both communities accusing each other of attacks, abductions and displacement.
The conflict has periodically erupted into violence across parts of Ukhrul, Kamjong, Kangpokpi, Tamenglong and neighbouring hill districts, resulting in loss of life, destruction of villages and deepening mistrust between communities.
The recovery of the six bodies has further intensified those tensions at a time when efforts to reduce hostilities remain fragile.
READ: KIM Condemns Killing of Six Naga Youths; Declares Shutdown Over Kuki Farmer’s Killing
Shutdown to Be Observed Across Naga Areas
The UNC has appealed to the public to observe the shutdown peacefully while maintaining law and order.
Normal life is expected to be affected across Naga-inhabited areas, with markets, educational institutions, offices and transportation services likely to remain closed during the protest period. Emergency services are expected to be exempted.
As of Wednesday evening, neither the Government of Manipur nor the Union Government had issued an official response to the UNC’s charter of demands.
With emotions running high across Naga areas, all eyes are now on the authorities and community leaders as they seek to prevent the latest tragedy from triggering further escalation in an already volatile region.
