Manipur police have suspended a serving Kuki police constable and ordered a departmental enquiry over his alleged role in the abduction of six Naga men who were later recovered dead, officials and people aware of the matter confirmed.
Action follows political pressure and rising tensions
The suspension order, dated 8 September, was issued by the Superintendent of Police of Bishnupur district, and directs a departmental enquiry (DE) into the conduct of the constable, who was posted with the Bishnupur force in the valley and later transferred to Kangpokpi in the hills after the outbreak of conflict, the copy of the order seen by Hindustan Times shows.
“He was with Bishnupur police in the valley but was transferred (transferred) to Kangpokpi hill district in the hills due to the conflict. He has been suspended and a DE has been ordered,” an officer who asked not to be named confirmed.
The disciplinary action comes as political tensions escalate between Naga and Kuki legislators in the state. Naga MLAs, including Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho, have demanded accountability in the case and accused another deputy CM, Nemcha Kipgen, of involvement in the violence — allegations that have deepened mistrust within the Assembly. Naga legislators have reportedly refused to share the assembly room with Kipgen and have abstained from proceedings.
Context of the abductions and deaths
The six Naga men were abducted on the afternoon of 13 May 2026, during heightened clashes between Kuki and Naga groups. The abductions took place after three Kuki church leaders were killed in an ambush in Kangpokpi, an incident that intensified retaliatory violence across hill and valley areas.
Women and children from both communities were released on 15 May following a hostage exchange facilitated by church leaders and government authorities. The bodies of the six Naga men were recovered about a month after the abductions, according to reporting on the episode. Families of the victims have not yet buried the mutilated bodies, citing demands for answers and justice.
Police probe and public response
Manipur police have been probing the possible role of serving personnel in several incidents related to the May clashes. The suspension of the Kuki constable follows earlier reporting, dated 6 July, that investigators were examining whether a serving constable had any involvement in the abduction of the six men.
Police action was taken amid sustained pressure from Naga representatives for decisive steps. The suspension and the DE are administrative measures; criminal investigations, arrests and charges — if any — remain the responsibility of the investigating police units and prosecuting agencies.
Political and community ramifications
The episode has sharpened divides between elected representatives from the two communities. The refusal of Naga MLAs to participate fully in Assembly business and their demand for action have intensified calls for both transparency in the probe and assurances of safety for communities impacted by the violence.
Church leaders and civil society actors played a limited but crucial role in securing the release of women and children taken during the May exchanges. The continuing reluctance of the Naga families to bury their dead underscores ongoing mistrust over how the investigations are being handled and whether perpetrators will be brought to account.
What the suspension means
Suspension pending a departmental enquiry is an administrative step that removes the officer from active duty while facts are examined internally. If the DE finds misconduct, disciplinary penalties can range from censure and demotion to dismissal; separate criminal proceedings would follow if evidence supports prosecution.
Officials have not publicly detailed evidence against the constable or the precise allegations being examined in the DE. The state police have neither confirmed nor denied additional personnel actions linked to the episode.
- Date of abduction: 13 May 2026
- Release of women and children: 15 May 2026
- Suspension order date: 8 September 2026
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Officer | Serving Kuki police constable (name not disclosed) |
| Districts involved | Bishnupur (valley), Kangpokpi (hills) |
| Action | Suspension and departmental enquiry ordered |
State police said they have taken administrative steps as investigations progress. Community leaders and families of the victims continue to press for clear answers and legal accountability for those responsible for the abductions and killings.
Given the sensitivity of the matter, authorities have emphasised that departmental and criminal processes must follow due procedure while also seeking to defuse political and communal tensions in the Assembly and on the ground.
