Churachandpur, May 14: Amid escalating tensions and fresh violence in Manipur, Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the apex body of the Kuki tribes, on Thursday issued what it termed a “final and non-negotiable ultimatum” demanding the immediate and safe release of more than 25 Kuki individuals allegedly detained in Senapati district and six others reportedly held in Ireng Naga area.
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In a strongly worded statement issued from its secretariat in Lamka, KIM said the continued detention of innocent civilians had become “utterly unacceptable, inhuman, and barbaric,” especially at a time when the Kuki-Zo community was mourning the killing of church leaders described as “emissaries of peace and reconciliation.”
The organisation stated that the alleged hostage situation amounted to a gross violation of human dignity and democratic norms and warned that the situation could further deepen the ongoing unrest in the state.
KIM demanded that all Kuki detainees be released safely and unharmed before 5:00 AM on May 15, 2026. The body warned that failure to comply within the stipulated deadline would make the concerned civil society organisations and “responsible actors” in Senapati district solely accountable for any consequences arising thereafter, including escalation of tension, breakdown of law and order, or further unrest.
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The statement further said the Kuki-Zo people had exercised “extraordinary restraint” despite persecution, killings, intimidation and targeted aggression, but cautioned that the patience of grieving people should not be mistaken for weakness.
The development comes amid fresh violence in Manipur that has reportedly claimed at least four lives in recent days. State Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam had earlier stated that more than 38 individuals from both Naga and Kuki communities were allegedly being held hostage by different groups across the state.
