Morung Express News
Dimapur | June 10
The Manipur Police on Wednesday announced the recovery of the mortal remains of six persons believed to be among those abducted from Leilon Vaiphei village in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on May 13.
In an update posted on its official Facebook page, the Manipur Police stated that the remains were recovered on the afternoon of June 10 following nearly 24 hours of search operations involving around 450 personnel from the Manipur Police, CRPF and Assam Rifles, assisted by sniffer dogs and forensic experts.
“The deceased are believed to be among those taken hostage from Leilon Vaiphei on 13 May 2026,” it stated. “Necessary legal formalities are being carried out by the police, and the investigation is underway,” the police added.
While the police did not identify the deceased, the development is being linked to the six Naga persons reportedly taken hostage from the Leilon Vaiphei area on May 13.
The PTI news agency reported that mortal remains would be brought to the RIMS hospital in Imphal for postmortem examination and DNA analysis.
Official confirmation regarding their identities was awaited at the time of filing this report. This is a developing story and further details are awaited.
The latest development came amid the positive sentiment generated following the release of 14 Kuki detainees who had been held in the custody of the Naga Village Guard–Northern Command. The detainees were released by the United Naga Council (UNC) and Naga civil society organisations on June 9 and handed over to the Senapati district administration and police at 4:00 pm on Tuesday.
The release was welcomed by Chief Minister N Biren Singh as a positive humanitarian gesture. He also appealed for the renunciation of all forms of violence.
Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio likewise welcomed the “safe and humane release” of the Kuki hostages by the UNC and Naga civil society organisations, while appealing for the reciprocal release of six Naga hostages who remained in captivity.
In a post on X, Rio said the Kuki hostages were released in response to an appeal by church bodies led by the Baptist World Alliance.
“We once again appeal for the safe release of the six Naga hostages in a reciprocal and humanitarian manner so that they return to their loved ones,” he added.
In earlier press statements, the UNC stated that 18 Naga civilians, including women and a minor child, were abducted while travelling between Konsakhul village and the Leimakhong area on May 13.
According to the Council, 12 females, including an infant, were released on May 14. However, the whereabouts and safety of the remaining six male hostages have remained unknown since then. According to the UNC, the six men were allegedly being held captive by “Kuki groups.”
The Council has since repeatedly called for their safe release and sought information on their whereabouts and condition.
