UKHRUL: The Office of the Naga People’s Organisation (NPO) has issued a press statement today in response to the ‘illogical’ ultimatum served by Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) on 15th May 2026 at 05:00 AM, declaring it to be a final and non-negotiable ultimatum demanding the release of all Kuki hostages.
In the press statement, the NPO strongly advises KIM to first remove the dirt from its own face before attempting to lecture others. “It is already well known and widely acknowledged in the public domain as to who initiated the culture of taking innocent commuters hostage,” the NPO stated.
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The NPO, recalling the incident at Shangkai, where twenty-one innocent Nagas were taken hostage, stated that it fails to comprehend the justification behind such an inhumane act. It also added that those innocent Nagas were not only unlawfully detained but were also looted of all their belongings, which, to this day, have never been returned.
“What verification, evidence, or investigation does Kuki possess to justify blaming the Nagas for the loss of two lives in that particular incident? Mere allegations without proper investigation or substantiated evidence cannot be accepted under any circumstances,” NPO declared.
The organisation also condemned the recent brutal attack and murder of religious leaders, emissaries of peace, who were killed in cold blood in the strongest terms. “No civilized society on earth can justify such inhuman actions,” the NPO said, while conveying its deepest condolences to the bereaved families and praying for the speedy recovery of the injured victims.
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However, the NPO questions KIM on what grounds and evidence it accuses the Nagas in connection with that unfortunate incident. “It is the earnest appeal of the Nagas that we should not be blamed for every unwanted incident occurring anywhere. The Nagas are not a barbaric or uncivilized community that attacks innocent people without reason,” it stated, while urging the Kukis to stop imposing blame upon the Nagas for every evil deed committed by themselves.
Further, the NPO stated that as all the deceased and injured victims belong to the Thadou community, represented by the Thadou-Inpi, and as the Thadou community harbours strong suspicions against certain Kuki elements in connection with the incident, the Thadou people and their leaders should be in a better position to understand this unfortunate event.The NPO then advises the Kukis to respect the Thadou community’s sentiments and to refrain from interfering in the affairs of the Thadou people.
“To conceal your own evil deeds, you may have taken our twenty innocent men, women, and children hostage. We earnestly urge you to immediately stop this evil practice. We also question whether KIM possesses any authority/license, or right to take innocent civilians hostage,” it said. It also advises the Kuki-Zo Village Volunteers, Sadar Hills, not to exploit the bond of the Christian faith for sympathy, but instead to first practise honesty and sincerity.
“We would also like to know what “reciprocation” means according to your understanding, when you yourselves refused the condition of releasing all hostages from both sides, irrespective of number or strength from both sides. What pride do you have in taking innocent civilians hostage?” the NPO queried.
The NPO also informed that, in retaliation, some angry youths from their district had taken innocent Kukis hostage, but on humanitarian grounds, released one minor girl and one man due to health issues. “On the contrary, the Kuki, on their side, did not even spare a very small baby and its mother,’ it lamented.
“The Civil Society Organisations of our district have nothing to do with the innocent Kukis being held hostage. However, for the safety of those in captivity, our office attempted to intervene. Messages were conveyed through the Superintendents of Police of Senapati and Kangpokpi districts, DIG of 22 Sector Assam Rifles, and Commandant of 16 Assam Rifles, although the efforts failed. This failure resulted from the dishonesty of Kuki stakeholders,” it alleged.
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It clarified that the exchange and release of fourteen persons from each side became possible only through the tireless and sacrificial efforts of Senapati SP, Kangpokpi SP, DIG, 22 Sector Assam Rifles, and Commandant, 16th Assam Rifles. The Naga People’s Organisation expresses its highest respect and deepest gratitude for their tireless and selfless services.
The NPO then stated that, being fully aware that selective narratives, intimidation, and baseless accusations will only worsen the situation, they have exercised maximum restraint to the possible extent but are now compelled to face the challenges, come what may.