Twelve Naga women and 16 Kuki civilians have been released so far, though several people are still believed to remain in captivity.
BY PC Bureau
May 15, 2026: A fragile hostage exchange process began in Manipur on Friday morning amid escalating ethnic tensions, shortly after rival ultimatums issued by Kuki and Naga apex bodies expired.
Twelve women from the Konshakhul (Konthoujam) area, who had been held by Kuki groups at Leilon Vaiphei, were reportdly released at Makhan. Of the 18 Naga civilians reportedly taken hostage earlier, 12 have now been freed, while six remain in captivity. Two Salesian brothers were also released in the same development.
At the same time, Naga groups released another 14 Kuki individuals. Including two people freed earlier, a total of 16 Kuki hostages have now been released by Naga volunteers.
The Police have so far not commented on the hostage swap, and these are source-based reports.
Manipur Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam on Thursday said that more than 38 people belonging to the Naga and Kuki communities were 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 was in active contact with civil society organisations and political leaders to ensure the safe and early release of all those detained.
Going by the figures provided by the minister, around eight to ten captives are still believed to be in custody. However, Kuki groups claimed that only 12 Nagas had been taken captive, contradicting the larger figures cited by Naga organisations and the government.
READ: Manipur: Kuki Apex Body Issues “ Final Ultimatum” for Hostages Release
The releases came hours after the expiry of a strongly worded ultimatum issued by the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the apex body of Kuki tribes. On Thursday, May 14, KIM issued what it described as a “final and non-negotiable ultimatum,” demanding the immediate and unconditional release of all Kuki hostages — reportedly more than 25 in Senapati district and six others at Ireng Naga — by 5:00 a.m. on May 15.
KIM linked the hostage crisis to the recent killing of three Kuki church leaders, describing the detentions as particularly painful for a community already grieving.
“On the very same day that our Church leaders — emissaries of peace and reconciliation — were brutally murdered in cold blood… the unlawful detention and hostage situation involving more than 25 Kuki individuals… has become utterly unacceptable, inhuman, and barbaric,” the organisation stated.
The body further warned that any failure to comply with its demand could trigger escalation, asserting that the Kuki-Zo community had shown “extraordinary restraint” and that “the patience of a grieving people must never be mistaken for weakness.”
On the other side, the United Naga Council (UNC) had also issued an ultimatum demanding the safe release of Naga hostages allegedly held by Kuki groups. The UNC cited the abduction of around 18 civilians, including women and a two-year-old child, along with two Naga priests.
The reciprocal releases mark the first significant breakthrough in the tense standoff. However, with several hostages still unaccounted for, the situation remains volatile. Authorities have appealed for calm as civil society groups and security forces continue efforts to prevent further deterioration of law and order.
Further updates are expected as the situation develops.
