Naga organisations, including the United Naga Council, have issued their own deadlines, demanding the release of Naga civilians allegedly held in Kangpokpi. The competing ultimatums have heightened fears of escalation in already volatile hill districts of Manipur.
BY PC Bureau
May 14, 2026: Tension continues to escalate in the hill districts of Kangpokpi and Senapati as tribal organisations from the Kuki-Zo and Naga communities have issued competing ultimatums over the alleged detention of civilians from both sides, raising fears of further escalation in Manipur’s already fragile security situation.
The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the apex body of the Kuki tribes, on Thursday issued what it described as a “FINAL AND NON-NEGOTIABLE ULTIMATUM,” demanding the immediate and unconditional release of all Kuki hostages by 5:00 A.M. on May 15, 2026.
In its statement, the organisation expressed deep anguish over the timing of the crisis, linking it to the killing of three Kuki church leaders earlier this week.
“On the very same day that our Church leaders — emissaries of peace and reconciliation — were brutally murdered in cold blood, and at a time when the Kuki-Zo people are still mourning this irreparable loss, 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,” the statement said.
READ: Efforts Underway to End Hostage Standoff in Manipur
KIM described the continued detention of civilians as a “gross violation of human dignity and democratic norms,” accusing those responsible of a “complete breakdown of humanity, accountability, and moral responsibility.”
Reiterating its core demand, the organisation said:
“We therefore issue this FINAL and NON-NEGOTIABLE ULTIMATUM that all Kuki hostages detained in Senapati District and Ireng Naga must be released safely, unharmed, and without any condition on or before 5:00 A.M., 15th May 2026.”
Warning of consequences, KIM added that any failure to comply would be fully and solely responsible for any subsequent escalation.
“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 stated.
The organisation also noted that the Kuki-Zo community had shown “extraordinary restraint” despite continuing violence and loss of life.
“The patience of a grieving people must never be mistaken for weakness,” the statement said, urging immediate intervention to prevent an “irreversible and uncontrollable” situation.
The letter was signed by Janghaolun Haokip, Secretary (Information & Publicity), Kuki Inpi Manipur, and circulated to the Governor of Manipur, DGP, district administrations, police officials, and media houses.UNC
Naga Bodies Issue Ultimatum
Earlier, several Naga organisations also raised alarm over the alleged detention of their community members. According to reports, around 12 Nagas — including women and a two-year-old child — are being held in connection with incidents in Leilon Vaiphei and Sapermeina under Kangpokpi district since May 13.
The United Naga Council (UNC) has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the state government, demanding the unconditional release of all Naga civilians by 6:00 P.M. on May 15, 2026.
In its statement, the UNC said:
“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…”
It added that continued inaction would worsen the situation and could lead to further unrest.
“The lives and liberty of innocent civilians cannot be held hostage indefinitely and such grievous acts will inevitably spiral out of control if not contained at the earliest,” the statement warned.
Separately, the Joint Tribes Council Manipur also issued a 12-hour ultimatum demanding release of the Naga hostages by 6:00 A.M. on May 15, warning that responsibility for any consequences would lie with the opposing side if the deadline is not met.
The latest escalation follows the killing of three senior Kuki church leaders — Rev. V. Sitlhou, Rev. Kaigoulun, and Pastor Paogoulen — on May 13 while they were reportedly returning from a peace meeting in Kangpokpi district. The incident triggered widespread outrage and a series of retaliatory detentions across hill districts.
While some hostages have reportedly been released through local interventions, several civilians are still believed to be in custody on both sides.
