Imphal: The United Naga Council (UNC), apex Naga body in Manipur, has issued an urgent demand for the immediate release of 20 Naga hostages reportedly taken by Kuki groups at Leilon Vaiphei village and Supermeina within 24 hours.
In a letter addressed to Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, the UNC called upon the state government to take swift and decisive action in light of the grave situation that unfolded on May 13.
According to the UNC, 18 Naga civilians, including women and a two-year-old child, were taken hostage at Leilon Vaiphei village, while two Naga priests were detained at Supermeina village under the Supermeina police station.
The UNC highlighted that the abductions triggered retaliatory actions, with Naga volunteers detaining members of the Kuki community. Despite the UNC’s ongoing efforts to facilitate dialogue and secure the unconditional release of hostages from both sides, the Council reported no positive outcome so far.
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, it stated.
Emphasising the urgency of the situation and the risk of further escalation, the UNC has given the state government a 24-hour ultimatum. The Council has demanded that all hostages be released unconditionally by both sides by 6 pm on May 15, 2026.
The statement stressed that the state government possesses the necessary authority and resources to resolve the crisis and warned that it would hold the government solely accountable for any consequences arising from inaction.
The UNC further urged the Chief Minister to act promptly and decisively to safeguard the lives and liberty of innocent civilians and restore public confidence amid the escalating tensions.