Shillong, June 11: National People’s Party (NPP) president and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has strongly condemned the killing of six Naga civilians in Manipur, describing the incident as a senseless act of violence that defies all principles of humanity. In a statement issued on Wednesday, Sangma said the killings were “deeply disturbing and wholly unacceptable,” extending his solidarity to the bereaved families and urging justice for the victims.
The Manipur Police confirmed that the mortal remains of six individuals, believed to be missing Naga men held hostage by armed groups, were recovered in Kangpokpi district after an intensive search operation involving nearly 450 personnel from the police, CRPF, and Assam Rifles, supported by sniffer dogs and forensic experts. The deceased are suspected to be among those abducted from Leilon Vaiphei on May 13, 2026.
Sangma noted that the tragedy was particularly painful as it occurred despite the goodwill efforts of the United Naga Council (UNC), which had sought to foster dialogue, reconciliation, and peaceful engagement. “A gesture intended to build trust and foster understanding has instead been met with violence, resulting in the loss of innocent lives and immense suffering for their families and communities,” he said.
The NPP chief stressed that there could be no justification for the killing of civilians and called on all parties to exercise restraint while ensuring that those responsible are held accountable. “Lasting peace can only be built through mutual respect, dialogue and a commitment to resolving differences through peaceful means rather than violence,” Sangma added.
The recovery of the bodies came just a day after 14 Kuki civilians abducted in Senapati district nearly a month ago were released, a development welcomed by the chief ministers of Nagaland and Meghalaya, who had also appealed for the safe release of the six Naga hostages. Sangma reiterated that the path to peace in Manipur and the wider Northeast must rest on compassion, reconciliation, and justice.
