Imphal: The abduction and killing of six Naga civilians allegedly by Kuki militants on May 13 has sent shockwaves across Manipur, with family members describing the condition of the recovered bodies as one of the most gruesome crimes witnessed in the state's history.

Weeks of waiting and prayers by the victims' families and the wider Naga community came to an end on June 10 when the mortal remains of the six men were recovered, nearly a month after they were allegedly abducted from Leilon Vaiphei village in Kangpokpi district on May 13, 2026. However, for the families, the ordeal deepened during the identification process conducted at the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) mortuary on Thursday.

According to the victims' relatives, the bodies were found dismembered, mutilated and battered beyond recognition.

Inspector General of Police (Zone II) Worngam Ningshen, IPS, said the bodies were recovered following an intensive search operation involving around 450 personnel from the Manipur Police, CRPF and Assam Rifles, assisted by forensic experts and sniffer dogs.

"The investigation is ongoing and identification will be completed soon. The case has now been handed over to the NIA, and we will fully cooperate and support their investigation," he said.

According to a police source, the bodies were recovered in the border area between Konsakhul and Leilon Vaiphei villages. Police officials also indicated that the victims may have been killed elsewhere and their bodies subsequently moved to the location where they were found.

Konsakhul, also known as Konsaram, is an ancient Liangmai Naga village located about two kilometres from Leilon Vaiphei, a Kuki-Zo village, under the Saitu-Gamphazol subdivision of Kangpokpi district.

'They were butchered and beheaded'

Paisho Thiumai, younger brother of Rev. Dr. Manu Thiumai, one of the six victims, appeared visibly distressed after emerging from the JNIMS mortuary. He was among the family members who took part in the identification process.

The identification exercise, conducted in the presence of police personnel and forensic experts, began around 2 pm and continued late into the evening.

"We are all deeply broken and angered by these inhuman acts," Paisho said.

According to him, family members were able to fully identify only one body, believed to be that of Dilip Thiumai. He said the remains suggested that the victim may have been thrown into water with his hands tied behind his back.

"The rest of the bodies were totally mutilated. They were butchered, beheaded and we couldn't see any intact joints," said Paisho, who stood alongside the uncle of another victim, Pastor Kenpibou Chawang.

Speaking about his brother, Rev. Dr. Manu Thiumai, Paisho said he could identify him only through a blue sneaker.

"My brother's head had been severed, with only the skull remaining. Both his arms had also been chopped off from the shoulders, and his body was badly battered," he said.

He further revealed that one victim's head was missing, making the identification process even more difficult.

Expressing disappointment over the government's response, Paisho said the families were losing faith in the authorities, noting that the bodies were recovered only on Wednesday, several weeks after the alleged abduction.

"We feel like we've been played. We want to tell the government once again to make things right and deliver justice. We are hoping that they can do it if they truly want to," he added.

The six victims were identified as Rev. Dr. Manu Thiumai, Dilip Thiumai, Phenrilungbou Chawang, Pherongwibou Thiumai, Kenpibou Chawang and Kliwangbou Abonmai.

Leaders visit mortuary, promise justice

Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam, Hill Areas Committee (HAC) Chairman Dinganglung Gangmei, former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, Chingai MLA Khashim Vashum and Phungyar MLA Leishiyo Keishing visited the JNIMS mortuary to offer condolences and express solidarity with the bereaved families and community leaders.