Senapati (Manipur), Feb 18 : The bodies of three state officials who were allegedly kidnapped by suspected rebels were recovered in Manipur.

The victims were found blind folded with their hands tied and faces severely injured. The incident took place in Senapati district.

Relatives of the victims blamed the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isaac-Muivah -- NSCN (IM) -- cadres for the killings.

"The family members of the sub-divisional officer went to Ukhrul and they informed us that they are safe and sound in the custody of NSCN-IM who have abducted them. We were told there was nothing to worry about as they were safe, so we got relaxed," said Ronibala Devi, widow of A. Rajen Sharma, one of the three killed.

NSCN (IM) officials were not available for comment.

The police have recovered a bloodstained spade and a stone from the spot. The three other officials who accompanied them are still missing.

The officials had left Imphal for Awang Kasom of Ukhrul district to have a meeting with the Deputy Commissioner of Ukhrul.

The three officials included Kishan Singh, A. Rajen Sharma and Y. Token Singh Mandol. All the three officials were posted at Awang Kasom State Development Office (SDO)

The NSCN has been fighting for an independent homeland for the country''s three million Naga people, spread across the remote northeast, for more than four decades. (ANI)