The hostage crisis in Manipur’s hill districts erupted on May 13, 2026 amid longstanding ethnic tensions between Kuki and Naga communities, exacerbating the state’s broader instability that has persisted since the 2023 Meitei-Kuki conflict. What began as retaliatory abductions following the killing of three Thadou church leaders quickly escalated into a prolonged standoff involving dozens of civilians, with releases, negotiations, and demands for reciprocity stretching nearly a month.
May 13: Church leaders killed, retaliatory abductions begin
The crisis began on the morning of May 13 when suspected armed militants ambushed two vehicles carrying church leaders of the Thadou Baptist Association (TBA) in Kangpokpi district between Kotzim and Kotlen villages.
The church leaders were returning from a peace and reconciliation conference in Churachandpur when the attack took place. The victims were Reverend Vumthang Sitlhou, president of the Thadou Baptist Association International (TBAI), Rev. Kaigoulun Lhouvum, finance secretary of the association, and Pastor Paogoulen Sitlhou.
Three people were killed and four others were injured in the attack. Notably, the TBA president had recently led a Kuki Christian delegation to Nagaland in an effort to promote peace between Kukis and Tangkhul Nagas.
The killings triggered retaliatory actions across Kangpokpi and Senapati districts. Kuki and Naga armed groups abducted civilians belonging to each other’s communities. Reports indicated that more than 40 to 48 people were taken hostage initially.
Kuki groups reportedly abducted around 18 to 20 Nagas, including women, a toddler and men, from areas such as Konsakhul village near Leilon Vaiphei. Naga groups, meanwhile, seized approximately 14 to 28 Kukis, many of them from Taphou Kuki village near Mount Everest College in Senapati district.
May 15: Women and children released
Two days later, efforts by civil society organisations, church bodies and community leaders led to the first signs of de-escalation.
At least 12 Naga women, including an infant, who were being held by Kuki groups in the Leilon Vaiphei area were released at Makhan in Senapati district.
Naga groups also released around 14 Kukis. Six were freed in Ireng Naga areas, while eight others were released at Makhan Baptist Church.
Despite the releases, the crisis remained unresolved. A core group of male hostages continued to be held. Naga groups were still holding 14 Kukis, while concerns grew over six missing Naga men including reports that two of them were pastors.
Late May: Deadlock deepens
As the month progressed, around 20 individuals were still reported as either being held hostage or missing.
Naga organisations and family members alleged that the six Naga men had been killed shortly after their abduction on May 13. They cited eyewitness accounts, messages and the absence of any proof that the men were alive.
Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) and other Kuki organisations denied holding any Nagas and said they had no knowledge of the missing men’s whereabouts.
The issue triggered protests in Naga areas, with community groups demanding a complete hostage exchange. No arrests were reported in connection with the killing of the three church leaders. Tensions remained high accompanied by sporadic violence and shutdowns in Naga-dominated regions.
June 1: Release plan withdrawn
A possible breakthrough appeared on June 1 when the United Naga Council (UNC), the apex Naga body in Manipur proposed releasing the remaining 14 Kuki hostages.
However, the plan was withdrawn after protests from sections of the Naga community, who insisted that the six missing Naga men be safely returned first.
An emergency meeting involving state officials, including Home Commissioner N. Ashok Kumar, resulted in an extended deadline, but the deadlock continued.
Appeals from church leaders and civil society organisations for the humanitarian release of hostages failed to produce an immediate outcome.
Early June: Negotiations intensify
During the first week of June, negotiations gained momentum with the involvement of the UNC, Kuki civil society organisations, church groups including the Baptist World Alliance, and state and central authorities.
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma publicly appealed for reciprocal releases.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, through channels in Nagaland, assured efforts to trace the six missing Nagas.
At the same time, protests and shutdowns continued, with families of the missing men expressing frustration over the lack of progress.
June 9: Major breakthrough
After nearly 27 days in captivity, Naga groups released the remaining 14 Kuki hostages on June 9 on humanitarian grounds.
The release was facilitated by the UNC and civil society organisations in Senapati district. The hostages, including Thangtinlen Chongloi, Paotinkai Chongloi and Lunsei Chongloi, were handed over to police and district authorities at Senapati headquarters in the presence of security personnel.
Following medical examinations, they were safely reunited with their families in Taphou Kuki village.
UNC president N. Lorho said assurances from Amit Shah regarding efforts to trace the six missing Nagas, along with consultations with stakeholders, played an important role in the decision.
The released hostages reportedly said they had received food, clothing and relatively humane treatment during their captivity.
The move was welcomed by Manipur Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh, Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, and leaders from Nagaland and Meghalaya.
However, on the same day, a fresh incident added to concerns when a 45-year-old Kuki farmer, Haokhogin Lhouvum, was shot dead in Tamenglong district.
June 10: Uncertainty remains
As of June 10, the release of the 14 Kuki hostages has been widely viewed as a significant step towards de-escalation.
However, the fate of the six missing Naga men remains unknown. Kuki organisations continue to maintain that they are not holding any captives and have no information about their whereabouts.
While no major new violence has been widely reported since the release, ethnic tensions linked to territorial disputes, residency rights and the wider Manipur conflict continue to persist in the hill districts.
Security forces remain on high alert as community organisations, church groups and government authorities continue to call for dialogue, reconciliation and accountability for the killings that triggered the crisis nearly a month ago.