Imphal, May 15 (NNN): Hostage exchange deed was done on Friday morning between the Nagas and the Kukis.
The Nagas have released two Kukis detained in Senapati district on Thursday evening and 14 of them on Friday morning while the Kukis have released 14 of the 20 Nagas on Friday morning. The whereabouts of 6 Nagas are still not known.
Meanwhile, an emergency meeting of the United Naga Council (UNC) and the state government of Manipur was held at 5 pm on Friday in Senapati in the deputy commissioner’s conference hall, consequent to the UNC ultimatum dated May 14, submitted to the Government of Manipur. According to the office of the UNC, after presentation of position and views by both the parties, the deadline of 6 pm of May 15, 2026, notified by the UNC was extended upto 2 pm of May 16, 2026, on the request of the state government to enable them to verify and establish the status of people being held hostage and for eventual safe release.
The UNC had served a 24-hour ultimatum for the release of the Naga hostages held captive by the “Kuki groups” to Manipur chief minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Thursday.
Tension continues to run high as 6 of the 20 Nagas held hostage by “Kuki groups at Leilon Vaiphei village and at Sapermeina” under Kangpokpi district of Manipur have not been released till date even though 14 Naga hostages have been released this morning. Sixteen Kukis from those detained in Senapati district have also been released last evening and this morning.
Meanwhile, the Naga People’s Organisation (NPO) has informed the “general public of Senapati and all Nagas to avoid travelling along the Senapati-Imphal road, even though the agitation period declared by the Kukis has officially ended, until further notice”.
The NPO said there remains a serious concern for the safety and security of innocent civilians, “as incidents have shown that Nagas may still be taken hostage or even face threats to their precious lives and properties without any provocation”.
It may be recalled that on May 13, 2026, “twenty innocent Nagas were taken hostage by the Kukis, and six innocent Nagas still remain in their captivity, with their whereabouts and condition remaining unknown till date”, said the NPO.
“Therefore, the general public is strongly advised to remain alert and avoid any kind of travel along the said route, and take utmost precautions in the interest of personal safety”, the NPO added.
