The demonstration highlighted growing frustration among local communities over the slow pace of investigations. ITLF leaders urged the government to ensure justice for victims and restore public confidence in law enforcement.
BY PC Bureau
June 4, 2026: With no signs of a breakthrough more than three weeks after the abduction of 14 Kuki-Zo civilians, the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) Women’s Wing has launched an indefinite dharna, sharply criticising the Manipur government for what it describes as its inability to secure the hostages’ release.
The protest began on June 2 at the Wall of Remembrance, with demonstrators demanding the immediate and unconditional release of the 14 men allegedly being held by the Senapati District Students’ Association (SDSA) since May 13. Protesters are also seeking justice for three Kuki-Zo pastors who were killed during the same period.
In a strongly worded press release (File No: ITLF-PR-2026269), the ITLF Women’s Wing accused the state administration of failing to take decisive action, allowing what it termed a “culture of impunity” to persist.
“More than three weeks have passed, yet no meaningful action has been taken,” the statement said. “Those responsible for the murders remain at large, while the hostages continue to be unlawfully detained.”
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Background of the Crisis
The current standoff stems from a May 13 ambush in Kangpokpi district that claimed the lives of three senior Kuki-Zo Baptist pastors — Rev. Vumthang Sitlhou, Rev. Kaigoulun Lhouvum, and Pastor Paogoulen Sitlhou — as they were returning from a peace conference.
The killings triggered retaliatory abductions involving members of the Kuki-Zo and Naga communities in Senapati and Kangpokpi districts. While negotiations reportedly led to the release of some hostages from both sides, 14 Kuki-Zo men are said to remain in captivity.
A proposed release of the remaining hostages on June 1 was reportedly deferred following protests by Naga organisations demanding the return of their own missing civilians.
Strong Condemnation
The ITLF Women’s Wing strongly condemned:
- NSCN-IM and its alleged proxy, ZUF-K, for the killings of the pastors.
- SDSA for its alleged role in the ongoing hostage crisis.
- Individuals and groups alleged to have aided, supported, or remained complicit in the crimes.
Key Demands
The organisation has placed the following demands before the authorities:
- Immediate and unconditional release of all 14 Kuki-Zo hostages.
- Swift arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the killings of the pastors and the abductions.
- Direct intervention by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
- Legal action against SDSA and other parties found responsible for the alleged crimes.
The ITLF Women’s Wing said the dharna would continue until the hostages are freed and those responsible for the killings are brought to justice.
The statement concluded with an appeal to the authorities: “Justice delayed is justice denied. Release the 14 hostages. Arrest the killers. End the impunity. Act now.”
Government Inaction Under Scrutiny
The protest reflects growing frustration among sections of Kuki-Zo civil society over what they perceive as the state’s inability to enforce the rule of law in the hill districts.
According to the ITLF, despite repeated appeals and negotiations involving tribal bodies, church leaders, and civil society organisations, the hostages remain in captivity, raising concerns about the effectiveness of law enforcement and governance in the affected areas.
Security forces remain on alert as tensions continue to simmer, while the families of the hostages await their safe return.
There has been no immediate response from the Manipur government or SDSA regarding the latest protest and allegations. The situation remains sensitive, with concerns that prolonged delays in resolving the crisis could further inflame tensions in Manipur’s already fragile ethnic landscape.
