Correspondent
IMPHAL, JUN 10: The search for six missing Naga ended in tragedy on Wednesday after security forces recovered the dead bodies nearly a month after they were abducted from Leilon (Vaiphei-Kuki) village in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on May 13.
The deceased were identified as Kenpibou (Pastor), Phenrongwi Thiumai, Rev. Dr. Manu Thiumai (Pastor), Dilip Thiumai, Kaliwangbou Abonmai and Ch. Phenrilung. The recovery took place a day after 14 Kuki individuals who were abducted by Naga groups in Senapati district nearly a month ago were released.
According to a statement issued by Manipur Police, the bodies were recovered during a sustained operation conducted by a joint team of Manipur Police, CRPF and Assam Rifles, assisted by sniffer dogs and forensic experts. “After nearly 24 hours of sustained search operations involving around 450 personnel of the Manipur Police, CRPF, and Assam Rifles, assisted by sniffer dogs and forensic expert teams, the mortal remains of six persons were recovered this afternoon,” the statement said.
“The deceased are believed to be among those taken hostage from Leilon Vaiphei on May 13, 2026,” it added.
Reliable sources said the bodies were found in a severely mutilated condition and were largely unrecognisable. They were also suspected to have been tortured before being killed. Police said necessary legal formalities were being carried out and that investigation into the case was underway.
The bodies were later brought to Imphal and kept at the morgue of the JNIMS Hospital for post-mortem examination.
