The mortal remains of six persons were recovered on Wednesday afternoon after nearly 24 hours of intensive search operations carried out by around 450 personnel of the Manipur Police, CRPF and Assam Rifles, police said.
The operation, which also involved sniffer dogs and forensic expert teams, was launched after the civilians were reportedly taken hostage by suspected Kuki militants from Leilon Vaiphei on 13 May 2026.
According to police, the deceased are believed to be six Naga civilians who had remained untraced for more than three weeks, triggering a prolonged search in difficult terrain.
Police said necessary legal formalities are being completed and the investigation is continuing to establish the exact sequence of events, identify those responsible and confirm the identities of the recovered bodies.
The recovery came a day after 14 Kuki detainees were released by the Nagas led by United Naga Council (UNC) on humanitarian ground. The developments have heightened tension in the region, even as security forces continue efforts to trace the circumstances surrounding the abduction and killing.
Further details are expected after post-mortem examination and other procedural requirements are completed.