The United Naga Council (UNC) on Wednesday said the prayerful hopes raised by the release of 14 Kuki detainees on 9 June were shattered by the recovery of the mortal remains of six Naga hostages taken from Leilon Vaiphei village on 13 May 2026.
In a painful statement issued hours after the recovery on Wednesday, the council said the bodies were found not only lifeless but “highly mutilated and dismembered,” describing the killing as an “unacceptable” violation of human rights and human dignity.
Council condemns killings
The UNC condemned the incident in the strongest terms and extended condolences to the bereaved families, saying it stood in solidarity with them in what it called a time of “profound grief and loss.” It said the tragedy had caused deep anguish among Naga people and had further eroded public faith in the government’s ability to protect innocent civilians. The council described the killings as a direct challenge to the collective identity and security of the Naga community.
Shutdown called
In response, the UNC declared a 24-hour total shutdown across Naga areas from 6 am on 11 June to 6 am on 12 June 2026. It urged citizens to observe the shutdown peacefully and to stand with the Naga people until justice is delivered.
Mortal remains to be withheld
The council also said the mortal remains of the six hostages would not be received unless its demands were addressed and justice was done for the families of the victims by the Governments of Manipur and India. The UNC said the decision reflected the depth of public anger and grief following the killings and the manner in which the bodies were recovered.
Charter of demands
The UNC’s charter of demands includes the abrogation of the Suspension of Operations agreement with all Kuki militant groups, the immediate arrest and prosecution of those involved in the abduction and killing of 18 Naga civilians, including two pastors, and action against those linked to the murder of Wilson Thanga Chiru at Joujangtek on the same day. It also demanded the arrest of Lalboi Vaiphei, chief of Leilon Vaiphei village, and others allegedly involved in the abduction.
The council further called for the Kuki National Front-Presidential group to be declared a terrorist organisation. It also demanded the removal of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, whom it accused of being linked by family ties to the KNF-P leadership and of undermining public trust in the state government.
Rising tension
The statement reflected rising anger across Naga areas following the recovery of the bodies and the earlier release of the 14 detainees. The UNC said the killings had shaken confidence in the state’s ability to ensure security and had left the community demanding both accountability and decisive action.
