NIA arrests two more accused in killing of six Naga civilians in Manipur

PTI, July 18, 2026, Imphal : A team of security officials led by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday arrested two more persons for their alleged involvement in the killing of six Naga civilians in Manipur's Kangpokpi district, a police statement said.

Following the investigation into the abduction and killing of six Naga individuals, a joint team of the NIA, Manipur Police and the CRPF arrested the two accused, it said.

The arrested persons have been identified as Lungoulal Vaiphei, a resident of Leilon Vaiphei village, and Lunminthang Sitlhou alias Jack, a resident of Molhoi village in the Kuki-majority Kangpokpi district, police said.

Further efforts are on to arrest other individuals connected with the case, it said.

The six Naga civilians were abducted by armed men on May 13 from Leilon Vaiphei in Kangpokpi district.

Their bodies were recovered from the vicinity of Leilon Vaiphei village on June 10, triggering protests by Naga and Meitei communities demanding the arrest of the perpetrators.

Following the recovery of the bodies, Naga groups launched an economic blockade on all routes to Kangpokpi district, leading to a surge in the prices of essential commodities in the Kuki-Zo-majority district.

Earlier, on July 10, the NIA, along with the police and the CRPF, arrested a couple from Leilon Vaiphei for their alleged involvement in the killing of the six Naga civilians.