In a significant development, a joint team of the Manipur Police, the National Investigation Agency (NIA), and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has arrested two people allegedly involved in the abduction and killing of six Naga civilians in Kangpokpi district, police said.
The arrested couple, identified as Pradip, son of Tomba, and his wife, Ayinbi, both residents of Leilon Vaiphei village, were taken into custody during a targeted operation in the early hours of Friday. This marks the first arrests in connection with the abduction and killing of the six Naga men.
The six Naga men, including two pastors, were allegedly abducted from Leilon Vaiphei village on May 13, 2026. Following extensive search operations, security forces recovered their dismembered bodies on June 10. The bodies remain at the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) mortuary, as the victims’ families and members of the Naga community have refused to claim them until those responsible for the killings are arrested.
The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has been demanding justice for the six Naga civilians, holding a candlelight vigil at Phoolbari Junction in Kohima. NSF president Mteisuding addressed the gathering, saying Nagas have consistently stood for peace and have never waged war against any community. He warned against what he termed a ‘proxy war’ targeting Nagas and stressed that unity among Nagas was essential.
Convenor of the Nagaland Tribal Hohos Coordination Committee, Thejao Vihienuo, alleged that the killings reflected hostility towards Nagas. He described the killings as ‘inhumane’ and alleged that the six victims were targeted only because they were ‘peace-loving Nagas.’ Vihienuo appealed to the Centre and the Government of Manipur to address the demands raised by the United Naga Council, warning that failure to do so could allow the violence to spread further.
The NSF has submitted a memorandum addressed to the President of India through the Governor of Nagaland, seeking an independent, impartial, and time-bound investigation into the abduction, captivity, torture, and killing of the six Naga civilians, with those responsible brought to justice through due process. The federation also demanded a comprehensive investigation into killings, abductions, attacks on civilians, destruction of property, and displacement in conflict-affected areas to ensure justice for affected families.
The NSF further urged the government to pursue lasting peace through dialogue, justice, accountability, and respect for the rights and dignity of all affected communities.
