Officials of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and state security forces have declined to comment on the ongoing investigation into the deaths of six alleged Naga hostages whose bodies were recently recovered and brought to the mortuary of the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) in Imphal.
A team of NIA personnel, accompanied by other officials, visited the JNIMS mortuary on June 11 and carried out examinations as part of the investigation. The visit followed the recovery of the bodies of six alleged Naga hostages, who were reportedly abducted on May 13, 2026. The mortal remains were recovered on June 10 and brought to the hospital for post-mortem examination and identification.
Despite growing public concern and heightened interest in the case, authorities refrained from revealing details regarding the findings or progress of the investigation when approached by media personnel.
Officials stated that the probe is still in progress and that no official statement can be issued at this stage.
Sources said investigators are undertaking various procedures, including forensic examinations, DNA profiling and evidence collection, to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the six civilians.
The case has drawn widespread attention across Manipur, with several groups and members of the public demanding a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the alleged abduction and killings.
Meanwhile, security has been tightened around the hospital premises following tensions that erupted on Tuesday evening when hundreds of people gathered at JNIMS awaiting the arrival of the bodies. The situation later turned violent, forcing security personnel to use tear gas to disperse the crowd.
Authorities have appealed for calm while forensic procedures and the investigation continue. Further details are expected to emerge after the completion of the preliminary stages of the probe.
