Sat Nov 16 09:28:24 UTC 2024: ## Six Bodies Found After Manipur Hostage Crisis; Tensions Flare
**Silchar, Assam –** Six bodies, including those of three women and three children, have been recovered five days after six members of a Meitei family were abducted in Manipur’s Jiribam district. The discovery comes amidst heightened tensions following a deadly encounter between suspected Kuki insurgents and security forces.
According to state government sources, the bodies were found following a gunfight between security forces and suspected Kuki militants on Monday. Ten suspected militants were killed in the encounter. Three of the six bodies were brought to Silchar Medical College and Hospital (SMCH) morgue on Friday night, with the remaining three discovered later Saturday. The bodies showed signs of decomposition.
Laisharam Herojit, a state government employee whose wife, two children, mother-in-law, and sister-in-law were among the hostages, confirmed he has yet to identify the remains. The family, all members of the Meitei community, were reportedly taken hostage near the Barak River after a separate gunfight between Kuki militants and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
The incident sparked protests outside the SMCH morgue. A group of Kukis, claiming the ten men killed in the encounter were village volunteers, blocked the transportation of the bodies from the morgue, leading to clashes with police. The Kukis are demanding the bodies be handed over to them in Silchar for transport to Churachandpur.
The discovery of the bodies and subsequent protests have raised further concerns about the escalating violence in Manipur, where inter-communal tensions remain high. The Assam Police are on high alert in the area. Investigations are ongoing.
First Piper 