Violence Escalates in Manipur as Six Abducted Naga Men Found Dead

GUWAHATI, India, June 10 – The bodies of six men from the Naga community have been discovered in Manipur’s northeastern region following their abduction by an armed group about a month prior. The state police reported that these individuals were believed to have been taken hostage from Leilon Vaiphei village on May 13, during a period of escalating tensions between two predominant tribes in the area.

The Men were located after comprehensive search operations involving around 450 police personnel and sniffer dogs, according to a post by the Manipur Police on the social media platform X.

Conflict in Manipur began in May 2023, primarily between the dominant, mostly Hindu Meitei community and the mainly Christian Kuki tribes, over issues related to economic opportunities and job reservations. The situation intensified when the Naga community, another significant ethnic group in the state, became drawn into the unrest following an alleged attack on a Naga man by Kuki individuals in February.

Since the violence erupted, approximately 260 lives have been lost, and over 60,000 individuals have been displaced from their homes.

The police have urged continued vigilance and cooperation from the community to prevent further escalation. Authorities are now focusing on addressing the underlying causes of the conflict, which has deeply fractured social relations in the region.

Amidst the mourning for the deceased, community leaders are stressing the need for a peaceful resolution and dialogue between the involved parties to restore harmony in Manipur.

Reporting by Tora Agarwala in Guwahati, writing by Shanima Aniyeri in Mumbai, editing by William Maclean.