Shutdown across Kuki-Zo areas in Manipur extended by 48 hours over detention of villagers, as tensions between Kuki and Naga communities escalate amid hostage crises, killings, protests, and ongoing security operations in Kangpokpi and Senapati districts.
A fresh wave of uncertainty gripped several hill districts of Manipur after Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), one of the apex organisations representing the Kuki tribal community, extended the ongoing shutdown in Kuki-Zo inhabited areas by another 48 hours on Thursday. The decision came amid growing tensions over the continued detention of 14 Kuki-Zo villagers allegedly being held by rival groups since May 13.
The extended shutdown has severely disrupted normal life in areas dominated by the Kuki-Zo community, particularly in Kangpokpi district, where commercial establishments, transportation services, and educational institutions remained largely closed. The shutdown was first imposed after the killing of three Baptist Church leaders and injuries to four others in violence reported on May 13.
KIM Information and Publicity Secretary Janghaolun Haokip said the organisation was compelled to prolong the protest because of the continued hostage situation involving Kuki-Zo civilians in Naga-dominated Senapati district.
According to Haokip, the unconditional release of all detained individuals remains the community’s foremost demand. He stated that despite the deteriorating security situation and mounting anger within the community following the killings, the Kuki-Zo people had continued to show restraint in the interest of peace and coexistence.
Haokip further claimed that even after reports of abductions surfaced, the Kuki-Zo community facilitated the safe movement of more than 200 Naga individuals as a humanitarian gesture intended to maintain communal harmony. He also stated that the president of the Maralui Karalimei Swijoikang, also known as the Maram Students’ Union, had been released on humanitarian grounds to help ease tensions between the two communities.
Referring to previous incidents, Haokip recalled the violence during the Litan conflict in Ukhrul district in March this year, where the Kuki-Zo community reportedly helped secure the release of 21 Tangkhul Naga hostages despite casualties suffered on their side. He added that on May 14, five Naga individuals were released along the IT Road corridor as another effort to prevent further escalation.
Police officials said that more than 40 individuals from both Kuki and Naga communities were reportedly held hostage in different areas of Kangpokpi and Senapati districts following the violence on May 13. Authorities confirmed that nearly 30 individuals were released over the following two days after intervention by security agencies, community leaders, and civil society organisations.
Meanwhile, members of the Naga community have also been staging protests across several districts demanding the safe release of those still allegedly being held captive. The competing protests have intensified concerns over worsening ethnic divisions in the state.
Central and state security forces continued coordinated search and rescue operations for the ninth consecutive day on Thursday in Kangpokpi, Senapati, and adjoining regions. Officials said the operations are aimed at locating and rescuing the remaining hostages while preventing further outbreaks of violence.
Amid the rising tensions, a delegation comprising 10 church leaders has been visiting Senapati district since Tuesday in an attempt to mediate between the Kuki and Naga communities. The delegation had earlier met Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh to discuss the worsening ethnic crisis affecting the hill districts.
Government officials said the church leaders later held meetings with representatives of the United Naga Council, the Naga People’s Organisation, and other civil society groups in Senapati district. Discussions reportedly focused on measures to reduce tensions and restore dialogue between the rival tribal communities.
At the regional level, the North East Students’ Organisation expressed grave concern over the continuing violence in Manipur. Following a meeting in Guwahati, NESO condemned repeated incidents of killings, ambushes, abductions, and intimidation targeting civilians across the region.
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The organisation warned that the prolonged violence and hostage crises have created a climate of fear and instability not only in Manipur but across the Northeast, raising fresh concerns over communal harmony and regional security.
