Imphal, June 10: In a grim setback to efforts aimed at defusing tensions between Naga and Kuki groups in Manipur, the bodies of six Naga hostages abducted nearly a month ago were recovered on Wednesday in Kangpokpi district, barely a day after 14 Kuki hostages were released following negotiations involving community leaders and security agencies.
Confirming the development, Manipur Police said the mortal remains were recovered after nearly 24 hours of sustained search operations involving around 450 personnel from the Manipur Police, CRPF and Assam Rifles, assisted by sniffer dogs and forensic expert teams.
“The deceased are believed to be among those taken hostage from Leilon Vaiphei on 13 May 2026. Necessary legal formalities are being carried out by the police and the investigation is underway,” the police said in a statement.
The hostage crisis traces its origins to a deadly ambush at Kotlen on May 13, which triggered a fresh round of violence between Naga and Kuki groups.
Following the incident, 18 Nagas from Konsakhul village in Kangpokpi district were allegedly taken hostage by Kuki groups at Leilon Vaiphei. In retaliation, Naga groups reportedly detained 28 Kuki civilians, plunging the region into one of the most serious hostage crises witnessed in recent months.
The standoff prompted the intervention of security forces and community organisations, with sustained efforts being made to prevent further bloodshed and secure the release of those held captive.
On Tuesday, a breakthrough appeared within reach when 14 Kuki hostages were released and handed over to the Senapati district administration through the intervention of the United Naga Council (UNC).
However, hopes of a wider resolution were shattered less than 24 hours later with the recovery of the six bodies.
“The hostage crisis forced security agencies to intervene. Through negotiations, 14 Kuki hostages were released. But today we recovered the bodies of six hostages. Somehow the negotiation process failed. It is a very sad day for all of us. We tried to save lives, but the ethnic violence has taken a sharp turn. Peace should prevail and people should understand,” an official said.
The discovery is expected to further deepen tensions in the hill districts, where mistrust, retaliatory attacks and community divisions have continued despite repeated efforts by authorities to restore peace.
Police said post-recovery legal formalities are underway and investigators are working to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The latest development marks one of the darkest chapters in the ongoing Naga-Kuki tensions, underscoring the fragility of the peace process and the immense challenges facing efforts to restore normalcy in Manipur’s troubled hill regions.
