Imphal, May 21: The Kuki Inpi Manipur announced on Thursday an extension of the ongoing shutdown in Kuki-Jo areas for an additional 48 hours. This decision comes in response to the alleged detention of 14 individuals from the Kuki-Jo community.
Janghaolun Haokip, the information and publicity secretary of Kuki Inpi Manipur, stated that the extension was necessary due to incidents of hostage-taking involving Kuki-Jo community members in the Naga-dominated Senapati district.
In a statement, he emphasized, “The unconditional and immediate release of all hostages is our top priority. Tensions have escalated since the brutal murder of three Kuki-Jo church leaders on May 13. Despite this, our community has exercised restraint to maintain peace and coexistence.”
Haokip highlighted that, despite reports of abductions and detentions, the Kuki-Jo community has facilitated safe passage for over 200 Naga individuals on humanitarian grounds.
The statement also noted that the president of the Maram Students Union was released as a goodwill gesture to ease tensions and promote peace between the communities.
He referenced the March 2026 incident in Ukhrul district, where the Kuki-Jo community ensured the safe release of 21 Tangkhul Naga hostages, despite two Kuki-Jo fatalities and two others being attacked during that event.
Haokip reported that on May 14, five Naga individuals were also released on the IT Road to prevent further escalation of tensions.
According to a police officer, over 40 individuals from both the Kuki and Naga communities were taken hostage by various groups following the events of May 13. However, through the efforts of the administration, community leaders, and social organizations, around 30 individuals from both communities were released on May 14 and 15.
The Kuki Inpi Manipur initiated a three-day complete shutdown from midnight on May 13, severely impacting daily life in Kuki-Jo areas, particularly in Kangpokpi district. This shutdown was called in protest against the murder of three Baptist church leaders and injuries to four others.
Meanwhile, members of the Naga community are also protesting in various districts, demanding the release of their detained villagers.
Officials reported that central and state security forces have been conducting joint search operations in Kangpokpi, Senapati, and surrounding districts for the ninth consecutive day to rescue those still held hostage.
Additionally, a 10-member delegation of church leaders has been visiting the Naga-dominated Senapati district since Tuesday, aiming to reduce the ongoing tensions between the Naga and Kuki communities.
The delegation met with Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on Monday to discuss the ongoing ethnic crisis in Kangpokpi and Senapati districts.
According to government officials, church leaders also held discussions with representatives from the United Naga Council, Naga Peoples Organization, and other social organizations in Senapati district.
The meetings focused on measures to alleviate tensions between the two tribal communities and resolve the hostage crisis.
Meanwhile, the apex body of eight major student organizations in the Northeast, the Northeast Students Organization, expressed serious concern over the ongoing incidents of ambush killings, abductions, and intimidation of civilians in a meeting held in Guwahati.
The Northeast Students Organization stated that these incidents have created an atmosphere of fear, insecurity, and instability throughout the region.
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