Church bodies, civil society groups and political organisations demand justice after six abducted Naga men were found dead in Kangpokpi district.
Imphal, June 11: The recovery of the bodies of six Naga men who had been missing since May 13 has triggered widespread condemnation across Manipur and beyond, with church organisations, civil society groups, political parties and community bodies demanding justice and accountability.
The six men were reportedly abducted from Leilon Vaiphei village in Kangpokpi district on May 13. Their bodies were recovered on June 10 after nearly four weeks of uncertainty over their fate. The victims have been identified as Rev. Dr. Manu Thiumai, Dilip Thiumai, Phenrilungbou Chawang, Pherongwibou Thiumai, Kenpibou Chawang and Kliwangbou Abonmai.
Several organisations described the killings as a grave violation of human dignity and called for immediate action against those responsible. The incident has also renewed debate over the government's response during the period when the men were missing.
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Among the strongest reactions came from the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), which expressed deep anguish over the deaths and questioned why authorities had not acted more effectively while the victims were still missing. The organisation said the discovery of the bodies after weeks of uncertainty had caused widespread anger and grief. It argued that the government's condemnation after the recovery of the bodies could not substitute for timely intervention when the victims' lives might still have been saved.
COCOMI also demanded that all those responsible be identified and punished under the law. The organisation warned that public frustration was growing and urged both the State and Central governments to take responsibility for ensuring justice and preventing further escalation.
Religious organisations across the region also reacted strongly. The Manipur Baptist Convention condemned the killings and expressed shock over reports regarding the condition in which the bodies were recovered. The convention noted that two of the victims were church leaders who had dedicated their lives to ministry and community service.
The convention said the killings had deeply affected not only the families involved but also the wider Christian community. It called for an immediate, impartial and transparent investigation and urged authorities to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. At the same time, it appealed to all communities to reject violence and work towards reconciliation and peace.
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International and national Baptist organisations also issued a joint statement. The Baptist World Alliance, Asia Pacific Baptist Federation and National Council Baptist Churches in India expressed sorrow over the deaths and extended condolences to the affected families and churches. The organisations reaffirmed the sanctity of human life and urged both the Government of India and the Government of Manipur to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation.
The joint statement emphasised that justice was necessary not only for the victims' families but also for restoring public trust and supporting efforts towards lasting peace. It also appealed for restraint and urged communities not to resort to retaliation.
The Council of Baptist Churches in Northeast India similarly condemned the killings and described the deaths as a tragic loss. The council appealed to all groups and communities to avoid actions that could worsen tensions. It stressed that justice should be pursued through lawful means and called on governments to ensure a prompt investigation.
Another major statement came from Thadou Inpi Manipur, which linked the incident to a broader pattern of violence witnessed across the state in recent weeks. The organisation listed multiple incidents involving killings, attacks on villages, arson and civilian casualties in different districts between late May and June.
While condemning the killing of the six Naga men, the organisation also referred to attacks affecting members of different communities and called for an end to all forms of ethnic violence. It urged authorities to carry out impartial investigations and appealed for dialogue, reconciliation and confidence-building measures. The organisation also acknowledged the role played by community leaders and stakeholders in securing the safe release of 14 detainees in Senapati district earlier this week.
Political organisations joined the growing chorus of condemnation. The People's Democratic Alliance denounced the killings and expressed disappointment that peace efforts undertaken by various civil society groups had failed to secure the release of the victims. The party said all elected representatives, regardless of community affiliation, should openly condemn violence and support accountability.
The Naga People's Front's Manipur State Unit described the incident as barbaric and said the discovery of the bodies after nearly a month had shocked the public. The party urged the government to act swiftly to identify and prosecute those responsible while appealing for calm and restraint among the public.
The Zeliangrong Union of Assam, Manipur and Nagaland also issued a strongly worded statement. The organisation expressed concern over what it described as unanswered questions surrounding the circumstances of the recovery of the bodies. It noted that the victims had remained missing for twenty-eight days and argued that a transparent and time-bound investigation was necessary to establish the full facts of the case.
The union further questioned the sequence of events that led to the recovery of the bodies shortly after the release of fourteen detainees in Senapati district. It said the government had a constitutional obligation to protect citizens and demanded accountability regarding the response to the abduction.
Church bodies representing specific tribal communities also voiced concern. The Rongmei Baptist Churches Council expressed grief over the deaths and appealed for a fair and unbiased investigation. It urged all communities to reject retaliation, rumours and collective blame. The council emphasised that peace could only be achieved through truth, justice, dialogue and responsible action.
The Liangmai Baptist Churches Association condemned the killing of two pastors and four civilians from its community. It described the incident as an attack on peace, human dignity and religious freedom. The association called on authorities to ensure justice and strengthen protection for vulnerable communities.
The Rongmei Scholars' Association similarly expressed sorrow over the killings and appealed to all stakeholders to uphold the rule of law while pursuing peace and reconciliation through dialogue.
Religious leaders outside denominational organisations also intervened. Archbishop Linus Neli of the Catholic Archdiocese of Imphal issued an appeal centred on the protection of human life and the pursuit of peace. While condemning violence against civilians, he urged communities to focus on reconciliation, dialogue and restorative justice rather than retaliation. He also called for inclusive development, inter-community engagement and long-term peacebuilding initiatives.
Several local organisations added their voices to the demands for justice. The Peace and Integrity Committee, Kyamgei and the All Kyamgei Nupi Chaokhat Thourang Lup condemned the killings and expressed solidarity with the bereaved families. They indicated support for public movements seeking truth and accountability.
The Manipur People's Party demanded punishment for those responsible and called for political accountability. The party also sought the resignation of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen on moral grounds, citing allegations raised in its statement.
The North East Students' Organsiation (NESO) also condemned the "barbaric, inhumane and cold-blooded murder" of six innocent Naga men. It extends condolences to the bereaved families and the people of Konsakhul Naga village while demanding a swift, transparent and impartial investigation.
NESO also asked the Government of India "How is it that after more than three years of conflict and the deployment of massive security forces, not a single accused involved in the countless killings, abductions, arson and atrocities has been effectively convicted and held accountable?"
Across the statements issued on Thursday, a common theme emerged: calls for a thorough investigation, prosecution of those responsible, protection of civilians and renewed efforts to prevent further violence. Many organisations also appealed for restraint amid rising tensions, warning that retaliation would only deepen divisions and prolong suffering.
The recovery of the six bodies has become one of the most sensitive developments in the ongoing conflict in Manipur. As demands for accountability intensify, attention is now focused on the response of law enforcement agencies and the government's next steps in addressing the case and preventing further violence.
