NIA-Led Operation Arrests Two in Killing of Six Naga Civilians in Manipur
A joint team of security officials led by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested two individuals from Manipur's Kangpokpi district on Friday morning (July 10, 2026) for their alleged involvement in the killing of six Naga civilians, police said.
The operation was conducted by a combined team of Manipur Police, NIA, and CRPF based on credible intelligence. The arrests were made in Leilon Vaiphei village early Friday, targeting two suspects accused of participating in the killing of six Naga persons on May 13 in the same village. Police identified the apprehended individuals as Ayingbi and Pradip, both residents of a Kuki-Zo village.
The bodies of the six Naga civilians were recovered from near Leilon Vaiphei village on June 10, sparking protests by Naga and Meitei communities demanding justice. Naga groups subsequently blocked all routes to Kangpokpi district, leading to a sharp increase in the prices of essential commodities in the predominantly Kuki-Zo region.
Days after the discovery of the bodies, Kuki Zo Council (KZC) chairman Henlienthang Thanglet issued an apology, stating, “I admit the Kuki-Zo people made a grave mistake in killing the six Naga civilians. It was done out of emotion. I strongly condemn it. I am very sorry and apologise on behalf of my people.” He called for an impartial investigation into all acts of violence linked to the ongoing ethnic strife in Manipur.
However, a day later, the KZC clarified that certain portions of Thanglet's remarks had been “misconstrued as an admission of responsibility by the Kuki-Zo community.” The council stated that the chairperson's expression of sorrow was made purely in the spirit of humanity, compassion, and moral responsibility and “was not intended to assign collective guilt.”
The clarification came as an influential Naga students' organization expressed anger at the apology issued by the KZC chief over the killing of the six Naga hostages. The organization demanded a thorough investigation and prosecution of all perpetrators.
