Significant Progress in Manipur: Release of Kuki Hostages After 27 Days

In a significant development, fourteen Kuki hostages were released after 27 days in Naga custody, facilitated by the United Naga Council. This breakthrough follows extensive discussions and appeals from various stakeholders, highlighting the commitment to humanitarian principles. The release has been welcomed as a positive step towards de-escalation, although concerns remain regarding six missing Naga individuals. One released hostage expressed gratitude for the humane treatment received during their detention, urging for a reciprocal humanitarian gesture. The situation reflects the complexities of community relations in Manipur amidst ongoing tensions.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 9, 2026, 18:02 IST

Release of Kuki Hostages Marks a Turning Point

The fourteen Kuki hostages release facilitated by UNC on Tuesday (Photo: AT)

Imphal, June 9: In a notable development, fourteen Kuki hostages were freed on Tuesday after being held for 27 days by Naga groups, signaling a crucial advancement in the ongoing hostage situation in Manipur.

The release was orchestrated by the United Naga Council (UNC), with the involvement of local administration, police, and security personnel.

Speaking to reporters post-release, UNC president Ng Lorho stated that the decision was made after discussions with various parties and was motivated by humanitarian concerns.

"The United Naga Council, after consulting with all relevant stakeholders, successfully facilitated the safe return of the 14 Kuki hostages, handing them over to the district authorities, police, and security forces in public view," Lorho explained.

He emphasized that this action demonstrated the Naga community's dedication to humanitarian values, human rights, and established conflict norms.

According to Lorho, the UNC's decision to assist in the release was influenced by commitments from both the Union and Manipur governments to locate six missing Naga individuals, alongside appeals from various church groups, tribal organizations, and civil society across the region.

"Nagas are a cultured people who respect international law and human rights," he remarked.

Lorho also expressed gratitude for the support from the Council of Naga Baptist Churches, the Nagaland Baptist Church Council, and other Christian organizations, as well as tribal councils and civil society groups, including Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma.

He noted that the Manipur government had assured that efforts were being made to ascertain the status of the missing Nagas within a specified timeframe.

The release came after persistent calls for a humanitarian resolution from church bodies, tribal organizations, civil society, and political leaders throughout the Northeast.

One of the freed hostages, Paotinkai Chongloi from Kokhita village, shared that they were treated well during their time in captivity.

"We have learned a valuable lesson from our Naga brothers, who have shown us great kindness," Chongloi stated.

He mentioned that the hostages received food, clothing, blankets, and other necessities during their 27-day ordeal and urged for a similar humanitarian response regarding the six Naga hostages still missing.

"I urge you to also learn from their kindness and wisdom and release the six Naga hostages unconditionally on humanitarian grounds," he added.

The crisis began when six Naga individuals went missing in the Senapati-Kangpokpi area, raising alarms among Naga organizations and prompting demands for their safe return. This incident led to the detention of 14 Kuki individuals by Naga volunteers and civil society groups, further complicating relations between the two communities.

While the release on Tuesday has been largely celebrated as a step towards reducing tensions, the fate of the six missing Naga individuals remains uncertain, with their whereabouts still unknown.