Manipur: Security Forces Recover Bodies Of Six Missing Naga Men In Manipur, Tension Escalates Further
The recovery of bodies which has created fresh tension in the area has come a day after all 14 Kuki men who had been held by a Naga group were released on humanitarian grounds in Senapati district: Reports
GUWAHATI: A day after 14 Kuki hostages were released, Manipur police on Wednesday said that security forces have recovered the bodies of six Naga men who were allegedly abducted by suspected Kuki militants from Leilon Vaiphei village in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on May 13.
Manipur police in a statement 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 13.”
The recovery of bodies which has created fresh tension in the area has come a day after all 14 Kuki men who had been held by a Naga group were released on humanitarian grounds in Senapati district. The release was facilitated by the United Naga Council (UNC) following extensive consultations involving Naga frontal organisations, tribal hohos representing various Naga tribes and government officials. Investigative journalism projects
The 14 Kuki men had been taken into custody by a Naga group amid heightened tensions over the alleged abduction of the six Naga villagers from Leilon Vaiphei.
The UNC had earlier maintained that the release was guided by Naga customary values and humanitarian principles, despite growing anger within the community over the continued disappearance of the abducted men.
The recovery of the six bodies has heightened the simmering tensions in the region, where relations between Naga and Kuki groups have remained strained amid ongoing security and territorial disputes.
Security agencies and state authorities have appealed for calm while investigations continue to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and identify of those responsible for heinous act.