Manipur Violence Escalates: 2 Kuki Villagers Killed After Recovery of 6 Naga Bodies, NIA Begins Investigation
- By Thetripurapost Desk, Imphal
- Jun 11, 2026
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Fresh violence has once again shaken Manipur, raising concerns over the worsening ethnic conflict in the northeastern state. Just a day after security forces recovered the bodies of six abducted Naga men, retaliatory attacks reportedly left two Kuki villagers dead and several houses destroyed in Kamjong district.
According to local community leaders, the victims have been identified as Letminlun Haokip, a senior church functionary, and Lunminthang Haokip, a youth leader from Kultuh village. Reports indicate that at least a dozen houses were set on fire during the violence.
Security Forces Intensify Operations
Amid rising tensions, security agencies launched coordinated search operations in the Horei Kaphung hills of Ukhrul district following intelligence reports regarding the movement of armed individuals. During the operation, security personnel detained eight villagers and seized weapons. Authorities later released them after issuing strict warnings.
Officials have reiterated that stern action will be taken against anyone found carrying arms illegally in conflict-affected areas.
NPF Office Attacked in Senapati
In another troubling development, unidentified miscreants vandalized the state headquarters of the Naga People's Front (NPF) in Senapati district. The incident has further heightened fears of escalating ethnic tensions in Manipur.
Massive Protests Outside JNIMS Mortuary
The recovery of the six Naga bodies triggered widespread anger across the state. Hundreds gathered outside the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) in Imphal, where the bodies were brought for postmortem examinations.
The situation turned tense as protesters clashed with security personnel. Police fired tear gas shells after sections of the crowd allegedly resorted to stone-pelting at the hospital premises.
Bodies Recovered After Large-Scale Search Mission
Security officials said the six bodies were recovered after a nearly 24-hour-long operation involving around 450 personnel from Manipur Police, CRPF and Assam Rifles, Sniffer dogs and forensic experts were also deployed during the search.
Investigators believe the deceased were among six Naga men abducted from Leilon Vaiphei village in Kangpokpi district on May 13.
NIA Joins Investigation
The Manipur Government has requested the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to conduct a detailed probe into the killings. An NIA team has already visited the JNIMS mortuary as part of the investigation process.
Community leaders have demanded justice while seeking answers regarding the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Chief Minister Promises Action
Manipur Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh expressed deep concern over the killings and assured that the government would not remain silent. He pledged strict action against those responsible and reaffirmed the administration's commitment to restoring peace and maintaining law and order.
United Naga Council Calls Shutdown
Adding to the pressure on the administration, the United Naga Council (UNC) announced a 24-hour shutdown across parts of Manipur to protest the killings.
The latest violence comes only a day after the release of 14 Kuki villagers who had allegedly been abducted nearly a month ago, highlighting the fragile security situation and continuing ethnic tensions in Manipur.
As investigations continue, authorities remain on high alert amid fears that the unrest could spread to other sensitive areas of the state.
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