Guwahati: Manipur Police on Wednesday said they have recovered the mortal remains of six people, suspected to be of missing Naga men, who were taken as hostages from Leilon Vaiphei on May 13.Manipur Police stated on X: "After nearly 24 hours of sustained search operations involving around 450 personnel of the Manipur Police, CRPF and Assam Rifles, assisted by sniffer dogs and forensic expert teams, the mortal remains of six persons were recovered this afternoon. The deceased are believed to be among those taken hostage from Leilon Vaiphei on May 13, 2026. Necessary legal formalities are being carried out by the police, and investigation is underway."The recovery happened a day after 14 Kuki individuals who were abducted by armed groups in Manipur's Senapati district about a month ago were released. Church bodies were also engaged in resolving the crisis. The chief ministers of Nagaland and Meghalaya had sought the safe release of the six Naga hostages.The release took place in the presence of the apex body of Nagas in Manipur, United Naga Council, and the district administration officials.Meanwhile, Kuki Inpi Manipur, the apex body of Kukis in the state, condemned the Killing of six missing people and sought thorough probe and restraint.Vehicular movement remained blocked on the national highway in Manipur as both Kukis and Nagas have imposed a bandh and economic blockade over the issue of missing persons following the May 13 ambush in which three church leaders belonging to the Thadou tribe were killed.This caused tension between the Nagas and Kukis, leading to allegations of abduction and detention from both sides. According to the state home department, reports initially indicated that more than 38 persons had gone missing following the violence. However, authorities later stated that 32 individuals had since returned.