Imphal, June 12 (MExN): The United Naga Council in Manipur has reiterated its refusal to receive the mortal remains of six hostages allegedly killed by Kuki militants, demanding the abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with all Kuki militant groups and the immediate arrest of those involved, including a serving Manipur Police personnel and the village chief of Leilon Vaiphei.
In charter of demands submitted separately to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Manipur Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh, the UNC said the six Naga civilians were taken hostage on May 13, 2026, by Leilon Vaiphei villagers and the Kuki National Front-President group (KNF-P). Their bodies were recovered on June 10 in a highly mutilated and dismembered condition, a day after Naga village guards released 14 Kuki detainees.
The UNC has declared that the bodies will not be received until the demands are addressed. These include declaring KNF-P a terrorist organisation and removing Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, whom the UNC alleged is the wife of KNF-P president Semtinthang @ Thangboi Kipgen, claiming her continued office compromises internal security.
The charter also demands the prosecution of KNF-P operatives involved in the May 13 abduction of 18 Naga civilians, including two pastors, and the separate murder of Wilson Thanga Chiru at Joujangtek on the same day. Specific individuals named include Lalboi Vaiphei, chief of Leilon Vaiphei village, and Thanggilian Vaiphei, a serving Manipur Police personnel.
The UNC described the killings as a direct challenge to the collective identity and security of the Naga people, and said the tragedy had shaken public faith in the government’s ability to ensure civilian safety. The demands have been submitted through the Deputy Commissioner of Senapati district.
