Manipur violence: 8 detained after bodies of 6 'abducted' Naga men found; CM vows response to atrocities

Manipur Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh on Thursday said that the state government will not remain a "mute spectator" to atrocities following the recovery of six bodies of Naga men who were abducted from Kangpokpi district last month.

The bodies were recovered on Wednesday after an extensive search operation involving around 450 personnel from the Manipur Police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and Assam Rifles. Sniffer dogs and forensic teams were also deployed during the nearly 24-hour-long operation.

According to police, the deceased are believed to be among six members of the Naga community who were taken hostage from Leilon Vaiphei village in Kangpokpi district on May 13.

CM assures action

In an official statement issued late Wednesday, Chief Minister Khemchand Singh expressed concern over the killings and assured that the government would take appropriate action.

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He stated that the Manipur government would not remain silent in the face of such incidents and reiterated its commitment to maintaining peace and security in the state.

The recovery of the bodies came just a day after 14 Kuki individuals, who had allegedly been abducted by armed groups in Senapati district nearly a month ago, were released.

Security forces detain eight armed villagers

Amid concerns over possible fresh attacks in the hill districts, security forces launched a joint operation in the Horei Kaphung hills of Ukhrul district based on intelligence inputs.

According to police, around a dozen armed persons were spotted during the operation. While several managed to escape, eight villagers were detained. They were later disarmed and released after being issued a stern warning.

Police said a large quantity of arms and ammunition was also recovered from illegal bunkers located on the hilltop.

Fresh violence in Kangpokpi

The latest developments come days after fresh violence erupted in Manipur on June 5. Three people, including a woman, were killed when armed assailants attacked Loibol Khullen village in Kangpokpi district.

Police said at least seven houses were set on fire during the early morning attack in the Saitu-Gamphazol subdivision, PTI reported.

Bodies brought to Imphal mortuary

The bodies of the six deceased were brought to the mortuary of the Jawaharlal Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) in Imphal on Thursday morning.

Family members and community leaders had not formally identified the bodies as of now. The Liangmai Naga Council said that there were reports suggesting that the bodies may have been mutilated, although officials have not confirmed these claims.

Hundreds of people gathered outside the JNIMS mortuary following the arrival of the bodies. According to an ANI report, police used tear gas to disperse sections of the crowd.

Meanwhile, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio expressed grief over the killing of the Naga men and extended his condolences to the bereaved families.

The incident has further heightened tensions in Manipur, where ethnic violence and armed clashes have continued to pose serious challenges to peace and stability.