Tensions in Manipur have escalated after authorities confirmed that more than 38 civilians from the Tangkhul Naga and Kuki communities are either unaccounted for or being held hostage following multiple violent incidents in Kangpokpi, Noney and adjoining districts.
Manipur Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam said the situation was “highly condemnable” while visiting injured persons at the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences in Imphal East. He was accompanied by three Naga legislators.
“Such incidents continuing in the state are highly condemnable. As human beings, we should love each other. How long will it last like this? We strongly suspect that there are some who do not want to restore peace in the state,” Hindustan Times reported Konthoujam as saying.
He further stated that the matter had been reported to the Union Home Ministry through the Intelligence Bureau and that efforts involving civil society organizations and political leaders were underway to secure the release of the missing civilians.
The developments follow the May 13 ambush in Kangpokpi district in which three senior leaders of the Thadou Baptist Association (TBA) were killed, while several others were injured. Eight people were travelling in the two vehicles, with one survivor escaping unhurt, HT reported.
Hostage claims and counter incidents
In a related escalation, reports emerged that around 18 civilians, including women, from Konsakhul, a Liangmai Naga village, were abducted from Leilon Vaiphei, a Kuki village in Kangpokpi district, on Wednesday afternoon, HT reported. Security forces have launched rescue operations, though the report said the hostages remain untraceable.
The violence has triggered shutdowns across multiple districts. Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) imposed a 48-hour shutdown in Kangpokpi, Churachandpur and Chandel, while the Zomi Students’ Federation (ZSF) announced an indefinite shutdown in parts of Churachandpur.
The Chandel Naga People’s Organization also imposed a shutdown in protest against the killing of a Naga individual in Noney district.
Ultimatums from Naga and Kuki organisations
The United Naga Council (UNC) issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the state government, demanding the release of Naga hostages allegedly held by Kuki groups.
“With due respect, the United Naga Council calls for your government’s attention for immediate action on the grave situation arising out of Kuki militant groups taking hostage of 18 Naga civilians, including women and a two year-old-baby at Leilon Vaiphei village and two Naga priests at Sapermeina village, both on May 13, 2026,” the UNC stated.
It warned that failure to act would make the government “solely accountable and responsible for any consequences arising out of its inaction”.
The Joint Tribes Council Manipur (Inpui, Liangmai, Rongmei and Zeme) also issued a 12-hour ultimatum, warning of accountability for any escalation if hostages were not released.
“If the Naga hostage is not released unharmed and within the next 12 hours from the time of this notice, then any and all untoward incidents, consequences, or violent escalations that follow shall be entirely and solely borne by the Kukis,” the Council warned, adding that “the Kuki community will be held fully accountable for every drop of blood shed, every property destroyed, and every life lost thereafter.”
Separately, the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) issued a “FINAL and NON-NEGOTIABLE ULTIMATUM”, demanding release of Kuki hostages by 5 am on May 15, 2026, stating that continued detention was “utterly unacceptable, inhuman, and barbaric”.
The KIM said “…the unlawful detention and hostage situation involving more than 25 Kuki individuals in Senapati District and another 6 Kuki persons at Ireng Naga has become utterly unacceptable, inhuman, and barbaric.”
“Failure to ensure their immediate release within the stipulated deadline shall render the concerned CSOs and responsible actors in Senapati District fully and solely responsible for any eventuality arising thereafter. Any escalation of tension, deterioration of law and order, outbreak of unrest, or further heightening of the conflict shall be the direct consequence of their actions and deliberate refusal to act with humanity and responsibility,” it added.
Amid the tensions, the Naga Village Guard (Northern Command) released two Kuki individuals in Senapati on humanitarian grounds, including a minor and a 40-year-old man. Earlier, a Meitei individual was also released.
(With inputs from agencies)