The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has launched a forensic investigation into the deaths of six abducted Naga civilians whose bodies were recovered in Manipur and brought to the mortuary of the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) in Imphal early Thursday.

Officials said the mortal remains arrived at the JNIMS mortuary at around 2:30 a.m. following their recovery during a search operation. A team of NIA officers, forensic experts and other authorities immediately began examining the bodies and collecting evidence as part of the ongoing investigation.

The NIA is conducting detailed forensic analyses to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the six civilians, who were among those abducted from Leilon Vaiphei village in Kangpokpi district on May 13. The investigation remains underway.

Meanwhile, tension prevailed at the JNIMS premises on Wednesday night after reports emerged that the bodies would be brought to the hospital for post-mortem examination.

Large numbers of people gathered outside the mortuary, leading to a confrontation between sections of the crowd and security personnel deployed at the site.

The situation later escalated into clashes, prompting Manipur Police to fire tear gas shells to disperse the gathering and prevent further unrest near the mortuary complex.

Authorities subsequently brought the situation under control and reinforced security in and around the hospital.

The recovery of the six bodies has sparked widespread outrage and heightened tensions across parts of the state, with several organisations demanding justice for the victims and swift action against those responsible.