The Convenor of the Joint Tribes' Council, Merachao Inka, has alleged that the recovery of six deceased persons followed failed negotiations over the exchange of captives between Naga and Kuki groups after an ambush incident that took place on May 13 in Manipur.

Addressing the media, the convenor claimed that following the ambush, members of the public were abducted by both sides during the ensuing tensions. According to him, an initial exchange involving 14 Naga captives and 14 Kuki captives was carried out.

He alleged that an additional 14 Kuki captives remained with the Nagas, while six Naga captives continued to be held by Kuki groups. When efforts were made to secure the release of the remaining six Naga captives, the convenor claimed that Kuki representatives denied holding any such individuals and later referred to the matter as a case of missing persons.

The convenor further stated that despite prolonged discussions involving the government and Kuki Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Naga representatives agreed to initiate confidence-building measures by releasing 14 Kuki captives unharmed.

He alleged that in return, the Naga side received the bodies of six individuals and expressed dissatisfaction over the condition in which they were returned. He claimed the bodies were in a mutilated, decomposed and deteriorated state and stated that the community was unwilling to accept them without further action from authorities.

Placing demands before the government, the Joint Tribes' Council called for the arrest of those allegedly involved in the abduction and killing of the six persons.

The convenor specifically named members of a women's group from Leilon Vaiphei, the chief of Lalbai Vaiphei, and a Manipur Police personnel identified as Thanggilian, alleging their involvement in the abduction process. He further alleged that the captives were later handed over to cadres of the Kuki National Front (Progressive) [KNF(P)], whom he accused of carrying out the killings.

The council urged the government to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and take legal action against all those found responsible.

There was no immediate response available from the individuals and organisations named in the allegations at the time of reporting.