Guwahati: The bodies of six Naga men — who were kidnapped from Leilon Vaiphei village in Kangpokpi district of Manipur on May 13 and later found dead — will be claimed from the JNIMS morgue on Nov 16 for their final rites at Naga Martyrs’ Park, Konsakhul, the Joint Tribe Council (JTC) announced on Tuesday.Speaking at a news conference at the Manipur Press Club, JTC co-convener Timothy Wijunamai alleged that the six men were kidnapped by armed Kuki militants operating under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement.The men’s bodies, which bore signs of mutilation, were recovered on June 10 and have remained at the morgue since then, the co-convener said.Wijunamai said the decision to claim the bodies followed discussions held in Guwahati on Sept 26. The talks involved the United Naga Council (UNC), the JTC, the Manipur govt and the Centre.He said the final rites would be conducted in accordance with the understandings reached during the discussions, but the JTC did not disclose details of what had been agreed.The council has appealed to people from all communities to attend the ceremony and pay their last respects as a gesture of respect and solidarity with the bereaved families.The victims belonged to the Zeliangrong community.
