UNC Declares 24-Hour Shutdown Across Naga Areas After Recovery of Six Hostages’ Bodies

Senapati, June 10: The United Naga Council (UNC) has announced a 24-hour total shutdown across all Naga-inhabited areas, beginning from 6:00 AM on June 11 to 6:00 AM on June 12, following the recovery of the mortal remains of six Naga hostages who were allegedly abducted from Leilon Vaiphei village on May 13, 2026.

In a strongly worded press statement issued on Wednesday, the UNC said the Naga people’s hope for the safe return of the hostages was shattered after the bodies of six victims were recovered in what it described as a “highly mutilated and dismembered condition.”

The council condemned the killings in the strongest possible terms, calling them a “gross violation of human rights” and a “sacrilegious and satanic act” against innocent Naga civilians. The statement expressed deep sympathy to the bereaved families and affirmed solidarity with them during their time of grief.

According to the UNC, the incident has deeply shaken public confidence in the government’s ability to ensure the safety and security of innocent civilians. The organisation described the killings as a direct challenge to the collective identity, dignity, and security of the Naga people.

Mortal Remains Not to Be Received Until Demands Are Met

The UNC further announced that the mortal remains of the six deceased hostages would not be received by the families until justice is delivered and the demands placed before the Government of Manipur and the Government of India are addressed.

UNC’s Charter of Demands

The council outlined a four-point charter of demands, including:

1. Immediate abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with all Kuki militant groups.
2. Immediate arrest and prosecution of all individuals involved in the abduction of 18 Naga civilians from Leilon Vaiphei village on May 13, including members of the alleged Kuki National Front–President Group (KNF-P), and those responsible for the subsequent killing of six hostages and the murder of Wilson Thanga Chiru at Joujangtek.
3. Declaration of KNF-P as a terrorist organisation.
4. Removal of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen from office, alleging conflict of interest due to her relationship with KNF-P President Seminthang alias Thangboi Kipgen. The UNC claimed that her continuation in office could undermine public confidence and internal security.

Call for Peaceful Observance

While announcing the shutdown, the UNC appealed to all citizens to observe the protest peacefully and maintain unity during the period of mourning and public demonstration.

The development comes amid heightened tensions following the recovery of the six bodies after an extensive search operation by security forces. The incident has triggered widespread outrage across Naga civil society organisations, community bodies, and the general public, with growing demands for accountability, justice, and stronger action against those responsible for the killings.

The UNC’s shutdown call is expected to affect normal activities across Naga areas on June 11 as communities unite in mourning and protest over one of the most tragic hostage-related incidents witnessed in recent months.