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File image of family members holding photographs of six abducted Naga civilians and stand in the premises of JNIMS mortuary. (Photo:PTI)

Imphal, July 18: A collaborative effort by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Manipur Police, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) led to the arrest of two additional suspects linked to the abduction and murder of six Liangmai Naga civilians in the Kangpokpi district of Manipur, raising the total number of arrests in this case to four.

The individuals apprehended have been named as Lungoulal Vaiphei from Leilon Vaiphei village and Lunminthang Sitlhou, also known as Jack, from Molhoi village, both situated in the Leimakhong area of Kangpokpi district.

According to a statement from the Manipur Police, the arrests were made on July 18, 2026, as part of the ongoing investigation into the tragic incident involving the six Naga individuals.

Authorities are actively pursuing leads to locate and arrest other suspects believed to be involved in this heinous act.

These latest arrests follow the earlier capture of Pradip and his wife, Ayingbi, both from Leilon Vaiphei village, during a pre-dawn operation on July 10.

The case revolves around the alleged kidnapping of six Liangmai Naga civilians from Konsakhul village on May 13. Reports indicate that the victims were taken to Leilon Vaiphei village, where they were reportedly killed.

The bodies were discovered on June 10 during an extensive search operation in the district.

Despite the recovery of the bodies over a month ago, they remain in the mortuary of the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) in Porompat, Imphal East district, as the families of the victims and Naga organizations await justice.

The murders have incited significant outrage throughout Manipur, especially within the Naga community, prompting strong denunciations from civil society groups and political figures.

The United Naga Council (UNC) and various Naga civil society organizations are calling for prompt justice for the victims. The UNC has also initiated an economic blockade in Naga-dominated regions to support their demands.

In a statement to the media last week, UNC president Ng Lorho emphasized that the organization would not accept the bodies until their four-point demands are fulfilled.

The council's demands include the cancellation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki militant groups, the arrest of all individuals implicated in the abduction and murder of the six civilians, the detention of the chief of Leilon Vaiphei village, and the removal of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen from his position.