Bodies of 6 abducted Naga men found, UNC calls shutdown

Guwahati: Security forces in Manipur on Wednesday recovered the bodies of six Naga men abducted nearly four weeks ago after an intensified search operation near Kharam Vaiphei village in Kangpokpi district.Manipur Police said the recovery followed nearly 24 hours of sustained operations involving around 450 personnel from the Manipur Police, CRPF and Assam Rifles, with sniffer dogs and forensic experts assisting the teams. The bodies were recovered near Kharam Vaiphei village.The mortal remains are being transported to the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) Hospital in Imphal for post-mortem examination.Manipur deputy chief minister Nemcha Kipgen condemned the “unlawful killing of the six Naga hostages,” saying the “heinous act of violence has left an indelible mark on the conscience of our society,” and appealed to all to reject violence.The six deceased are pastors Kenpibou Chawang and Manu Thiumai, Phenrongwibo Thiumai, Dilip Thiumai, Kaliwangbou Abonmai, and Ch. Phenrilung, all from Konsakhul Naga village in Kangpokpi district.The UNC announced a 24-hour total shutdown across Naga areas from 6 am Thursday, demanding justice for the victims and their families. The apex Naga body in Manipur said the mortal remains of the six victims will not be received until its charter of demands is addressed by both the Centre and the Manipur government. The demands include abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki militant groups, arrest and prosecution of those allegedly involved in the abductions and killings, and declaration of the Kuki group KNF-P as a terrorist organisation. It also demanded immediate removal of deputy CM Kipgen.Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio, who had played a key role in the release of 14 Kuki men held captive by Naga groups on Tuesday, wrote on X, “I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of the six Naga men whose mortal remains were recovered today. I strongly condemn this heinous act and extend my heartfelt condolences to their families, friends, and loved ones. No family should have to endure such pain and anguish.”Meghalaya chief minister Conrad Sangma condemned “the brutal killing of six Naga civilians,” saying, “This senseless act of violence is deeply disturbing and wholly unacceptable. What makes this tragedy even more heartbreaking is that it occurred despite the goodwill and sincere efforts extended by the United Naga Council (UNC) to create an atmosphere conducive to dialogue, reconciliation, and peaceful engagement.”The recoveries came a day after 14 Kuki individuals abducted by Naga armed groups in Senapati district on May 13 were released.The apex Kuki body, Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), condemned the killings and said it “strongly urge[d] the concerned authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter and allow the law to take its legal course.” KIM appealed for restraint and against speculation, adding, “Kuki Inpi Manipur remains committed to peace, justice, and harmonious coexistence among all communities.”Tensions between the two predominantly Christian communities escalated after three church leaders from the Thadou Baptist Association India were gunned down in an attack that Kuki groups blamed on Naga armed outfits. In retaliation, a Chiru Naga civilian was shot dead in Noney district and several other Naga villagers were abducted in Kangpokpi district. Soon after, Naga groups abducted more than two dozen Kuki villagers in Senapati district.On May 15, both sides freed 14 hostages each, but Naga groups continued to hold 14 Kuki villagers, insisting on the release of the six men they said had been taken by Kuki groups. Kuki organisations maintained that all their hostages had been released and denied knowledge of the missing Naga men.The UNC, which facilitated the release of 14 Kuki men held in captivity, said the release followed a “commitment” from the Manipur government to trace the six missing men.In a separate incident in Senapati district, two trucks were engulfed in fire and the two drivers are reported missing. The cause of the fire was not immediately known.