Manipur: Ethnic tensions flare again; bodies of 6 abducted Nagas found
text_fields
Guwahati: Fresh fears of renewed ethnic violence have gripped Manipur after the bodies of six Naga men allegedly abducted by Kuki armed groups were recovered from a remote village in Kangpokpi district, shattering hopes of a temporary easing of tensions between the two communities.
The recovery came days after the release of 14 Kuki captives held by Naga groups, a development that had raised expectations of progress in resolving the hostage crisis that has deepened ethnic divisions in the state. The deceased have been identified as Kenpibou Chawang, Rev Dr Manu Thiumai, Phenrongwi Thiumai, Dilip Thiumai, Kaliwangbou Abonmai and Ch. Phenrilung. Two of the victims were pastors. The bodies were shifted to the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences in Imphal for post-mortem examinations. Authorities had not released detailed information regarding the condition of the bodies until late evening.
The United Naga Council has responded by calling a 24-hour shutdown across Naga-inhabited areas from Thursday, demanding justice and accountability. The organisation has declared that the bodies will not be accepted until decisive action is taken against those responsible. It has also demanded the cancellation of the Suspension of Operations agreement with Kuki armed groups, the arrest of those involved in the abductions and killings, and the designation of the Kuki National Front-Progressive as a terrorist organisation.
The bodies were recovered following an intensive 24-hour search operation involving around 450 personnel from Manipur Police, the CRPF and Assam Rifles.
The current crisis traces its origins to the killing of three Kuki pastors on May 13, an incident that Kuki groups blamed on Naga armed organisations. Retaliatory violence followed, including the killing of a Naga civilian and a series of abductions targeting villagers from both communities.
Although both sides exchanged 14 captives each on May 15, six Nagas remained in Kuki custody. The recovery of their bodies has pushed the fragile situation back toward confrontation, prompting condemnation from political leaders and Kuki organisations alike, alongside demands for a comprehensive investigation.