Remains of six individuals recovered in Manipur

The remains of six individuals, including two pastors, have been recovered in Manipur state, India. The individuals are believed to be among Naga hostages taken from Leilon Vaiphei in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on May 13, 2026.

Officials claim the bodies were recovered Wednesday afternoon after extensive search operations in the area conducted by security forces. The discovery comes a day after 14 Kuki detainees were released by Naga civil society organizations.

DNA identification of the six bodies began Thursday, June 11, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences. Four of the six bodies have been identified so far.

Six Naga men reported missing who are suspected to be linked to the victims have been identified as Manu Thiumai, Kenpibou, Phenrongwi Thiumai, Dilip Thiumai, Kaliwangbou Abonmai, and Ch Phenrilung. Mr. Kenpibou and Rev. Dr. Manu Thiumai were pastors.

The hostage crisis follows the murder of three Kuki-Thadou Christian church leaders in Manipur on May 13. The murder sparked a series of retaliatory abductions involving civilians in Kuki and Naga communities, where tensions have been growing as a result of religious, political, and economic divisions among the tribes.

Within hours of the incident, abductions occurred. According to India Today, 48 civilians from both Naga and Kuki communities were taken captive by rival groups. Two days later, 28 hostages—14 from each community—were released.

Six Naga civilians and 14 Kuki civilians remained unaccounted for until the Kuki captives were released Tuesday.

UCFNEI responds

Allen Brooks, spokesperson for the United Christian Forum of North East India, issued a press release on behalf of the organization, mourning the loss of the six individuals.

“This heartbreaking development comes after weeks of anguished waiting and fervent prayers by families, churches, and the wider community for the safe return of the missing. The hope that had sustained them has now given way to deep grief,” the press release reads.

“UCFNEI mourns alongside the bereaved families, congregations, and communities that have endured this prolonged ordeal. The loss is felt even more acutely as two of the deceased were pastors, leaving their congregations and flocks heartbroken,” the release continues.

UCFNEI urged authorities to conduct a full and impartial investigation into the deaths of the six individuals and offered prayer and comfort for grieving families: “UCFNEI prays for God’s tender comfort to envelop the grieving families, for divine wisdom to guide those in positions of authority, and for healing, justice, and lasting peace to be restored in Manipur.”