NPP chief Conrad Sangma condemns killing of six Nagas in Manipur; terms it senseless act

PTI, Shillong, 10 June, 2026 : National People’s Party (NPP) president Conrad K Sangma on Wednesday strongly condemned the killing of six Naga civilians in Manipur and described the incident as a senseless act of violence, calling for those responsible for the incident to be brought to justice.

In a statement, Sangma, who is also Meghalaya CM, said the killings were “deeply disturbing and wholly unacceptable” and expressed solidarity with the families of the victims.

“I strongly and unequivocally condemn the brutal killing of six Naga civilians. This senseless act of violence is deeply disturbing and wholly unacceptable,” he said.

The Manipur Police on Wednesday said they found the mortal remains of six people, suspected to be of missing Naga men, who had been held hostage by armed groups in Kangpokpi district.

The NPP chief said the tragedy was made even more painful as it occurred despite efforts by the United Naga Council (UNC) to create an atmosphere conducive to dialogue, reconciliation and peaceful engagement.

“What makes this tragedy even more heartbreaking is that it occurred despite the goodwill and sincere efforts extended by the UNC to create an atmosphere conducive to dialogue, reconciliation and peaceful engagement. A gesture intended to build trust and foster understanding has instead been met with violence, resulting in the loss of innocent lives and immense suffering for their families and communities,” he said.

Sangma extended his condolences to the bereaved families and said there could be no justification for the killing of innocent civilians.

Urging restraint, the NPP president called on all concerned parties to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

“At this difficult moment, I urge all concerned to exercise restraint and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. Lasting peace can only be built through mutual respect, dialogue and a commitment to resolving differences through peaceful means rather than violence,” he said.

The recovery of the mortal remains took place a day after 14 Kuki individuals who were abducted by armed groups in Manipur’s Senapati district nearly a month ago were released. Welcoming this development, the chief ministers of Nagaland and Meghalaya had sought the safe release of the six Naga hostages.

After nearly 24 hours of sustained search operations involving around 450 personnel of the Manipur Police, CRPF and Assam Rifles, assisted by sniffer dogs and forensic expert teams, the mortal remains of six persons were recovered this afternoon. The deceased are believed to be among those taken hostage from Leilon Vaiphei on May 13, 2026, the police said in an X post.