UKHRUL: The United Naga Council (UNC) submitted an ultimatum to the Government of Manipur on May 14, 2026, demanding the immediate and safe release of 20 Naga hostages allegedly held by Kuki militant groups at Leilon Vaiphei village and Sapermaina Kuki Village within 24 hours.
On the morning of May 15, 2026, fourteen of the hostages were released. However, the fate of the remaining six hostages, including two pastors, remains uncertain. The State Government subsequently requested additional time, until 2:00 PM on May 16, 2026, to trace and secure the release of the remaining hostages. The deadline was further deferred twice to facilitate the government’s search operations and ensure the safe release of the captives.
Despite these extensions, the six innocent Naga civilians continue to remain in captivity, as reports indicate that the state machinery has been unable to trace and rescue them even well past the stipulated deadlines.
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Given the prevailing situation, UNC launched an Inter-District Economic Blockade along the National Highways passing through the Naga areas in Manipur with immediate effect. The blockade shall continue until the safe rescue and release of the remaining Naga hostages are successfully carried out.
