Twenty-eight civilians from the Kuki and Naga communities, who were allegedly held captive after fresh violence in Manipur’s Kangpokpi and Senapati districts, have been released following intensive behind-the-scenes negotiations involving civil society organisations, public leaders, security agencies, and local mediators, top sources said.
The releases come amid rising tensions in the hill districts after an ambush on May 13 triggered retaliatory detentions. However, concerns remain over the whereabouts of at least six Naga men and several Kuki civilians who are still missing.
According to officials and community sources, 12 Naga women from Konsakhul village were released on Thursday morning, May 15. Fourteen Kukis — four men and ten women — were freed late Wednesday night in Senapati district. Police confirmed that 14 individuals from each community were eventually handed over after coordinated efforts.
The latest violence began after a deadly ambush on May 13 at Zero Point, also known as Saheibung Peak, along the Kotlen-Kotzim inter-village road. The route is often linked to the Tiger Road and hilly routes connecting areas bypassing the Imphal Valley.
Unidentified armed miscreants attacked civilian vehicles carrying members of the Thadou Baptist Association of India (TBAI) and United Baptist Council. Three church leaders — Rev. Dr. Vumthang Sitlhou, Rev. Kaigoulun Lhouvum, and Pastor Paogoulen Sitlhou — were killed in the attack, while four others were injured.
The victims were returning from a Baptist convention in Churachandpur to Kangpokpi when the attack took place around 10 a.m. Kuki groups have pointed to possible involvement of factions such as the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF-Kamson), though investigations are continuing and no arrests have been confirmed so far.
Another ambush in Noney district later that evening killed one civilian and injured several others, further increasing panic in the region.
Police and community sources said the May 13 violence led to immediate panic and retaliatory detentions of civilians from different communities. They were reportedly taken to unknown locations near Leilon Vaiphei, Saparmeina, and adjoining areas in Kangpokpi and Senapati districts.
Reports suggested that more than 38 people were initially held, including around 20 Nagas from villages such as Konsakhul and nearby areas, and nearly 23 Kukis from Taphou Kuki village and surrounding regions.
The Manipur government, through district authorities and security forces, started emergency coordination with community elders and civil society organisations to control the situation.
“The government sprang into action soon after the incident. Public leaders and security forces made concerted efforts throughout the night to trace the civilians and ensure their release,” a source familiar with the developments told this publication.
An official statement said that the “majority of the detained civilians, 28 in number, belonging to different communities, have been safely released” through joint efforts by the administration, security forces, public leaders, and civil society organisations. The releases reportedly took place at locations including Makhan village.
In another related incident, two Salesian brothers linked to Don Bosco — Panmei Aching Albert and Poji Küvisie Peter, one of whom is from Nagaland — were abducted on the night of May 13 while travelling from Don Bosco Imphal to Don Bosco Maram. They were released safely on May 14 after interventions by various groups.
The developments come amid Manipur’s continuing ethnic tensions that began in 2023 between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. The unrest has also seen periodic spillover into Kuki-Naga tensions in the hill districts.
Naga organisations, including the United Naga Council (UNC), had raised concerns over the hostage situation and appealed for peace.
Security forces remain deployed in sensitive areas, while authorities have urged all sides to maintain restraint to avoid further violence. Community leaders from different groups have also appealed for dialogue, saying innocent civilians should not suffer because of armed conflict.
Although the release of the civilians has brought some relief, anxiety continues among families in Konsakhul, Taphou, and nearby villages over those who are still missing. Police investigations are continuing, while demands have grown for stronger patrols along vulnerable roads and confidence-building measures between communities.
