Imphal, 11 June (HS): The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has assumed charge of the investigation into the killing of the six Naga civilians whose bodies were recovered nearly a month after they were abducted in Manipur. The agency has launched an extensive forensic examination to establish the identities of the victims and gather crucial evidence related to the case.

The deceased were identified as pastors Kenpibou Chawang and Manu Thiumai, along with Phenrongwibo Thiumai, Dilip Thiumai, Kaliwangbou Abonmai and Ch. Phenrilung, all residents of Konsakhul Naga village. According to officials, the six men were allegedly abducted from the Leilon Vaiphei area on May 13 this year.

Their remains were recovered during a large-scale search operation conducted by a combined team of around 450 personnel from the Manipur Police, CRPF and Assam Rifles near Kharam Vaiphei village in Kangpokpi district. The operation followed weeks of efforts to trace the missing men.

As the recovered remains were reported to be severely mutilated and beyond visual identification, a specialised NIA team reached the mortuary of Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) in Imphal East. Officials stated that DNA profiling and detailed post-mortem examinations are being carried out to scientifically confirm the identities of the victims and assist the ongoing investigation.

Meanwhile, tension gripped Imphal East as the bodies were brought to the JNIMS mortuary. Hundreds of mourners and local residents gathered outside the hospital, leading to a confrontation with security personnel amid rising anger and grief over the killings.

Authorities said security forces resorted to firing tear gas shells to disperse the crowd after the situation turned volatile. Several civilians and security personnel reportedly sustained injuries during the clashes.

The incident comes shortly after the release of 14 Kuki hostages by Naga groups, raising concerns among security agencies over the possibility of fresh ethnic tensions and retaliatory violence in Manipur's hill districts. In response, security arrangements have been significantly strengthened in Imphal East and other sensitive areas to maintain law and order.----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash