Fresh tensions gripped Manipur on Thursday after the bodies of six Naga men, who were allegedly abducted nearly a month ago, were brought to the Jawaharlal Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) mortuary in Imphal. Police fired tear gas shells to disperse an agitated crowd that had gathered outside the hospital demanding answers and justice for the victims.
The six men were reportedly abducted from Leilon Vaiphei village in Kangpokpi district on May 13. After weeks of search operations, security forces recovered six bodies believed to be those of the missing men. According to Manipur Police, the recovery followed nearly 24 hours of intensive search operations involving around 450 personnel from the state police, CRPF, and Assam Rifles, supported by sniffer dogs and forensic teams.
As the mortal remains arrived at the JNIMS mortuary under heavy security, hundreds of relatives, community members, and supporters gathered at the hospital premises. Emotions ran high as families awaited formal identification of the bodies. The situation soon turned tense, prompting security personnel to use tear gas to control the crowd and prevent unrest.
Leaders of the Liangmai Naga community expressed deep shock and grief over the deaths. Community representatives said families were still in the process of identifying the victims and had not yet received complete official information regarding where the bodies were recovered. They also questioned the delay in recovering and transporting the remains, expressing dissatisfaction with the government's handling of the case.
The recovery of the bodies has further heightened tensions in Manipur, where relations between Naga and Kuki groups have remained strained amid ongoing ethnic conflicts. Reports indicate that the six men were allegedly taken hostage during a period of escalating clashes in the region. Their deaths have sparked anger across Naga-inhabited areas and renewed demands for stronger security measures.
In response to the incident, the United Naga Council (UNC) announced a 24-hour shutdown across Naga-dominated areas to protest the killings and demand justice. The organization described the deaths as a tragic loss for the community and called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the abduction and killings.
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio also condemned the killings, describing them as a heinous act and extending condolences to the bereaved families. Authorities have launched a detailed investigation, while security has been tightened in sensitive areas to prevent further escalation of tensions.
