Hostage crisis continues to keep Manipur on edge

Tension persisted in Naga and Kuki areas following the May 13 abductions when unknown armed miscreants had ambushed civilian vehicles resulting in the deaths of three civilians and injured four others. A person was assaulted in Kanglatombi over alleged links to the abduction case.

A police official said, "A man, stated to be a resident of Kangpokpi district, was allegedly assaulted by local youths on suspicion of being an informer linked to the abduction of Naga civilians".

The apex body of Nagas in Manipur, the United Naga Council (UNC), urged the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) to disclose the whereabouts and safety of the remaining six male hostages, who are still missing. UNC has imposed an economic blockade in Naga areas. KIM announced a 48-hour extension to the ongoing shutdown in Kuki-Zo inhabited areas which came into effect from May 19 midnight after the earlier phase ended, the organisation said.


According to the state home department, initial reports suggested that more than 38 people had gone missing following the violence. However, authorities later stated that 32 individuals had returned.