UKHRUL: Following the release of the 14 Kuki hostages on Tuesday, an intensive search operation was conducted by a team of around 450 personnel. After nearly 24 hours, Manipur Police reported having found the mortal remains of the six abducted Naga men on Wednesday afternoon.
The search team comprised members of the Manipur Police, CRPF, and Assam Rifles, assisted by sniffer dogs and forensic expert teams. Manipur Police took to X stating, “The deceased are believed to be among those taken hostage from Leilon vaiphei on 13 May, 2026.” Sources said the mortal remains were found in a severely mutilated condition. Witnesses also alleged that the victims had been tortured before being dismembered and stated that the remains were so extensively mutilated that they were largely unrecognizable.
On May 13, 2026, following a reception ceremony at Konsakhul Naga village, a group of residents departed from the village at approximately 10:30 a.m. To return to their village, they had to pass through Leilon Vaiphei Kuki village, where they were reportedly stopped at a bamboo gate freshly erected across the road by local people belonging to the Kuki community.
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In total, 18 individuals were detained, including men, women, and a child. After a series of negotiations, the women and the child were later released. On May 15, 2026, 14 Naga and Kuki hostages were also reportedly released and exchanged in Kangpokpi district. However, the six Naga men identified as Mr. Kenpibou (Pastor), Mr. Phenrongwi Thiumai, Rev. Dr. Manu Thiumai (Pastor), Mr. Dilip Thiumai, Mr. Kaliwangbou Abonmai, and Mr. Ch. Phenrilung who were allegedly abducted during the incident remained untraced until today.
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According to The United Naga Council, the release of the 14 detained Kuki individuals on Tuesday was based on appeals made by the Baptist world community, Naga churches, tribes, and organizations. It also emphasized that the Nagas are a people with an age-old culture passed down through generations.
In its statement, the UNC also mentioned the appeal made by the Government of Manipur for the safe release of the detained individuals, along with an assurance to intensify the ongoing combing operations to establish the status of the missing hostages and secure their release at the earliest. It also stated that the Manipur government had assured that it would track down and arrest all perpetrators and strictly enforce the Suspension of Operations ground rules, including the rationalization and relocation of camps.
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