Barely 24 hours after 14 Kuki hostages released safe and sound... Six abducted Naga men found dead

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jun 10: Barely 24 hours after 14 Kuki persons detained by Naga village guards were released safely, all the six Naga men held captive by Kukis have been found dead. The six Naga men and the 14 Kuki individuals were abducted by different parties on the same day (May 13, 2026).
The remains of the six slain men are yet to be brought either to JNIMS or RIMS morgue.
In spite of repeated appeals, reminders, ultimatums and widespread protests, the Government and its security agencies were unable to trace the six Naga men all these days.
On the other hand, the 14 Kuki detainees were safely released on June 9, 2026 on the basis of assurances and appeals made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the Government of Manipur.
Amit Shah reportedly assured Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio that the Ministry of Home Affairs will trace the abducted Naga persons, identify those responsible for the abduction and ensure that the law takes its course.
Apart from the appeal for safe release of the Kuki detainees, the Government of Manipur too reportedly assured the United Naga Council (UNC) that the ongoing combing operations will be intensified to establish the status of the missing hostages and they (hostages) will be produced at the earliest.
The State Government also assured to track down and arrest all the perpetrators, strictly enforce the SoO ground rules including rationalisation and relocation of camps.    
The Government and security forces who could not trace or establish the status of the missing Naga men all these days suddenly discovered the lifeless bodies of the six hostages today, only after the 14 Kuki detainees were safely released yesterday.
A social media post of the State police said, “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 deceased are believed to be among those taken hostage from Leilon Vaiphei on May 13, 2026.
“Necessary legal formalities are being carried out by the police, and the investigation is underway”.
But the particular post did not mention the place or spot from where the mortal remains were discovered.
Nonetheless, sources said that the dead bodies were found in an area between Leilon Vaiphei and Kharam Vaiphei.
The six Naga men were earlier identified as Manu Thiumai, Kenpibou, Dilip Thiumai, Phenrilungbou, Kaliwangbou, and Phen-rongwibou. Manu Thiumai and Kenpibou were pastors.
The six men were among 18 Naga individuals abducted by Kuki militants on May 13.
While 12 women were freed a few days later, the six men were held hostage by Kuki militants and their whereabouts or fates remained unknown till this afternoon.