Neiphiu Rio condemned the killing of six Naga men after their bodies were recovered in Manipur, calling the incident a heinous act and extending condolences to their families.
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DIMAPUR — Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Wednesday expressed grief over the deaths of the six Naga men whose mortal remains were recovered in Manipur and condemned the killings as a "heinous act".
In a post on X, Rio said he was deeply saddened by the tragic loss of the six men and extended his condolences to their families, friends and loved ones.
"I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of the six Naga men whose mortal remains were recovered today. I strongly condemn this heinous act and extend my heartfelt condolences to their families, friends, and loved ones," he wrote.
Stating that no family should have to endure such pain and anguish, the chief minister described the incident as a painful reminder of the suffering caused by violence.
"This heartbreaking tragedy is a painful reminder of the hurt and suffering that violence leaves behind," Rio said.
He prayed for the departed souls to rest in peace and for their families and loved ones to find the strength to bear the loss.
The chief minister's statement came hours after Manipur Police recovered six bodies believed to be those of the Naga men who had been missing since May 13 following a hostage crisis in Kangpokpi district.
Read more: Manipur: Mortal remains of six people found, suspected to be of missing Nagas
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The six men had remained untraced for nearly a month after being separated from a larger group of hostages taken during the violence. Their mortal remains were recovered on Wednesday during a search operation involving personnel from Manipur Police, the Central Reserve Police Force and the Assam Rifles.
The missing men have been identified as Kenpibou (Pastor), Phenrongwi Thiumai, Rev. Dr. Manu Thiumai (Pastor), Dilip Thiumai, Kaliwangbou Abonmai and Ch. Phenrilung.
A day earlier, Rio had appealed for the safe release of the six men following the release of 14 Kuki individuals linked to the same incident, expressing hope that the humanitarian gesture would help pave the way for peace, reconciliation and harmony.