The KNO and UPF have said discussions are ongoing, with hopes of government intervention to secure the safe release of all civilians involved.
BY PC Bureau
May 14, 2026: Efforts are currently underway to resolve a tense hostage situation involving civilians from both Naga and Kuki communities in Manipur’s Kangpokpi and Senapati districts.
Manipur Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam on Thursday said that over 38 people belonging to the Naga and Kuki communities are being held hostage by various groups across the state amid continuing tensions in the hill districts.
Speaking to reporters, the minister said the state government is in active contact with civil society organisations and political leaders to ensure the safe and early release of all those detained.
“In total, more than 38 people from both communities have been detained by different groups. We are actively holding discussions with civil society groups and political leaders to secure their release,” Konthoujam said.
The remarks came a day after two separate incidents of violence shook the state. On Wednesday, suspected militants allegedly shot dead three church leaders and injured four others in Kangpokpi district. In another incident near Jouzangtek in Noney district, unidentified gunmen opened fire on a civilian vehicle, killing one person and injuring his wife.
The minister said the matter had been taken up with the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and coordinated efforts were underway to secure the release of those held.
“We have apprised the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and efforts are underway to secure their release. We suspect that some elements do not want peace to return to Manipur,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and the United People’s Front (UPF), the two apex bodies representing Kuki-Zo armed groups under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with the Centre, have also said that leaders from both sides are engaged in talks, with hopes that government agencies will step in to secure a peaceful resolution.
According to a KNO-UPF joint statement, 12 Naga civilians are currently in the custody of Kuki groups in Kangpokpi, with their safety reportedly ensured. However, the exact number of Kuki civilians allegedly held in Senapati district remains unclear.
READ: Who Killed The Kuki-Zo Pastors? The Disconnect Between Masses And MLAs
The organisations expressed optimism that the matter could be resolved on humanitarian grounds, similar to an earlier incident in Thawai Kuki village in Ukhrul district. However, the tragic way a similar hostage standoff ended last time has deepened mistrust between communities,
On March 11, 2026, several villagers went missing from Thawai Kuki village, including two men working on a water tank project. In response, 18 Tangkhul civilians travelling towards Ukhrul were detained at nearby Sangkai village and held inside a church building, reportedly as leverage for the safe return of the missing persons.
Government agencies intervened in the Sangkai incident, and through consultations with Kuki civil society groups, the 18 Tangkhul civilians were released safely even before clarity emerged on the missing villagers.
Subsequently, four of the missing individuals, including women, returned safely, while the bodies of two men were recovered on March 12, 2026, bearing bullet wounds.
Appeal for Calm and Dialogue
These incidents have further heightened insecurity in the hill districts, deepening mistrust between communities. The KNO and UPF have appealed for calm, urging both sides to prioritise dialogue and humanitarian considerations.
“It is anticipated that with the effective intervention of Government Agencies, the unfolding situation concerning the current crisis in Kangpokpi district will conclude on a similar humanitarian note as in Thawai Kuki in Ukhrul district,” the joint statement said.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, with calls growing for swift and impartial intervention by security forces and civil administration to prevent further escalation and ensure the safe release of all civilians currently held.
