Six men from the Naga community who went missing nearly a month ago in Manipur have been found dead, bringing a tragic end to a weeks-long search operation that had intensified tensions between Naga and Kuki groups in the state.
According to a statement issued by the Manipur Police, the bodies were recovered on Wednesday afternoon following an extensive search operation involving around 450 personnel from the police, the Central Reserve Police Force and the Assam Rifles.
Authorities said the deceased are believed to be among the six men who were allegedly abducted from Leilon Vaiphei on May 13.
The victims were identified by residents of Konsakhul village in Kangpokpi district as Manu Thiumai, Kenpibou, Dilip Thiumai, Phenrilungbou, Kaliwangbou and Phenrongwibou. Two of them, Manu Thiumai and Kenpibou, were pastors.
A senior security official said the bodies were recovered from an area located between Leilon Vaiphei and Kharam Vaiphei, close to the site where several villagers from Konsakhul were reportedly abducted last month.
The discovery comes just a day after Naga groups released 14 Kuki men whom they had been holding hostage in Senapati district. The hostages were freed after the Manipur government reportedly assured Naga organisations that efforts to trace the missing men would continue.
The abductions were linked to escalating tensions between Naga and Kuki communities following the killing of three church leaders from the Thadou Baptist Association, an attack that Kuki groups blamed on Naga armed groups.
Subsequently, retaliatory abductions were reported on both sides. While several hostages were exchanged on May 15, Naga groups continued to hold 14 Kuki men, demanding information on the whereabouts of the six missing villagers.
The police said legal formalities are being carried out and investigations into the killings are underway.
