Hostages released following talks between officials and community leaders amid rising tensions
Twenty-one civilians belonging to the Tangkhul Naga community were released early Thursday after being detained by villagers and armed men from the Kuki community in Ukhrul district of Manipur, officials said.
According to police sources, the civilians were travelling in three vehicles along the Ukhrul–Imphal road when they were stopped and detained at Shangkai village on Wednesday afternoon. The hostages were reportedly held by Kuki villagers and armed individuals during the incident.
Their release came after intense negotiations involving state government officials and leaders of civil society organisations representing both the Naga and Kuki-Zo communities. Following the talks, the civilians were freed in the early hours of Thursday and taken to the Litan Police Station before being reunited with their families.
Security forces remained on high alert in the region as tensions continued in parts of Ukhrul district, especially in areas bordering Kangpokpi district, which has a large Kuki population. Authorities launched search operations and area domination patrols to prevent any escalation of the situation.
Earlier, the Tangkhul Naga Long (Working Committee), the apex body representing Tangkhul Nagas in Manipur, had issued a two-hour ultimatum demanding the safe release of the detained civilians.
Reacting to the incident, N. Biren Singh, Chief Minister of Manipur, expressed serious concern over the situation along the Ukhrul–Imphal road. In a statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Office, he appealed to those involved to ensure the safe and unconditional release of all civilians and urged communities to uphold humanitarian values.
The Chief Minister also directed senior police and administrative officials to closely monitor developments and coordinate efforts to maintain law and order. He warned that strict action would be taken against those responsible for unlawful activities and appealed to civil society organisations and community leaders to help restore calm.
A large contingent of security personnel was deployed in the area, and combing operations were carried out to track down those involved in the incident.
The tension comes against the backdrop of earlier clashes between the Kuki and Tangkhul Naga communities in February at Litan Sareikhong, where more than 30 houses belonging to both communities were set on fire following a territorial dispute.
Authorities said efforts are ongoing to maintain peace and prevent further unrest in the sensitive region.
