India, Oct. 14 -- Security forces, including army personnel, are combing the forests for the head of a Naga man allegedly killed by Kuki militants, as the 48-hour deadline nears its end. The Naga groups have warned of consequences if the remains are not returned.

The deadline ends at 7 pm on Wednesday, and Manipur is once again on high alert.

Amid the ongoing Kuki-Naga clashes, Ajinpou Ringkangmai, 52, was allegedly shot dead by Kuki militants in Kuki-dominated Kangpokpi district, who later severed his head and took it away. The killing has triggered outrage among Naga groups, for whom the removal of the victim's head is not only a brutal act but also a humiliation to his community.

The Naga groups have refused to allow government auth...