Two members of the Kuki community, including a minor, were released on Thursday evening, May 14, after being held hostage amid escalating tensions between Naga and Kuki groups in Manipur. The release came a day after reports surfaced that around 20 Naga community members were allegedly abducted by Kuki groups from Leilon Vaiphei Kuki village and Supermeina on May 13.
Following the incident, Naga groups were also reported to have detained several members of the Kuki community, raising fears of further unrest in the hill districts. Officials said a Kuki woman was handed over to Senapati Police by the Naga Village Guard (Northern Command) at around 5:07 pm in Senapati district. She is expected to be transferred to Kangpokpi Police for further legal procedures.
Authorities also confirmed that the second person released was a minor.
Despite the release, the situation in the affected areas remained tense, with security forces maintaining heightened vigil and deploying personnel in vulnerable locations.
Civil society organisations and community leaders from both communities have also stepped up efforts to ensure the safe return of those still being held and to prevent fresh violence.
Earlier, Govindas Konthoujam had stated that around 38 people from both the Kuki and Naga communities were being held hostage following recent clashes and retaliatory incidents.
The Home Minister said the government was holding discussions with civil society organizations and community leaders to secure the safe release of all those detained. Officials, however, have not yet confirmed the exact number of people who are still in captivity.
