Imphal, May 15: Several hostages from both the Naga and Kuki communities were released overnight and on Friday morning amid escalating tensions and fresh violence in Manipur’s hill districts, following ultimatum notices issued by organisations representing both communities.
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| Hostages from Naga and Kuki communities after being released and handed over to authorities in separate locations across Manipur amid heightened tensions and ongoing negotiations between community bodies. |
According to sources, six individuals - including four women and two men - allegedly held hostage by a Naga group in the Ireng Naga area were safely handed over to authorities on Thursday night. In another development, eight hostages - six women and two men - allegedly held by Naga groups in Senapati were released and handed over at the Makhan Baptist Church compound around midnight.
On Friday morning, twelve women from Konshakhul, who were reportedly held hostage by a Kuki group at Leilon Vaiphei, were also released at Makhan. Sources further stated that two Salesian brothers were safely released the same morning.
ALSO READ: Kuki Inpi Manipur Issues Final Ultimatum Demanding Release of Kuki Hostages
Authorities additionally confirmed that on Thursday, May 14, two hostages allegedly held by Naga groups in Senapati jurisdiction had also been released. One individual was handed over to police, while another Kuki woman was reportedly freed considering her age and gender.
The number of hostages released mentioned in this report is based on information available till the time of filing, and the actual figures may not be exact as more confirmations continue to emerge from authorities and community organisations.
The releases came hours after both Naga and Kuki organisations issued separate ultimatum notices demanding the immediate release of members of their respective communities.
The Joint Tribes Council Manipur (JTCM), representing the Inpui, Liangmai, Rongmei and Zeme communities, had issued a 12-hour ultimatum on Thursday demanding the release of an alleged Naga hostage before 6:00 am on May 15. The council warned of possible escalation and stated that the Kuki community would be held responsible for any consequences arising from non-compliance.
At the same time, Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) issued what it described as a “final and non-negotiable ultimatum” demanding the release of more than 25 alleged Kuki hostages in Senapati district and six others reportedly held in the Ireng Naga area before 5:00 am on May 15.
ALSO READ: Joint Tribes Council Manipur Issues 12-Hour Ultimatum for Release of Alleged Naga Hostage
The developments come amid renewed violence in Manipur that has reportedly claimed at least four lives in recent days. While several hostages have now been released, the exact number of people still being held by both sides remains unclear, as authorities have not issued any official updated figures so far.
Earlier, Manipur Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam had stated that more than 38 individuals from both the Naga and Kuki communities were allegedly being held hostage by different groups across the state.
Despite the latest releases, the situation in several vulnerable areas continues to remain tense, with security forces maintaining heightened deployment while civil society organisations and community leaders continue efforts to secure the safe return of those still reportedly missing or detained.
