Manipur Government Confirmed That 38+ Held Captive; MHA Informed Via IB, As Manipur Hostage Crisis Escalates.

Imphal; May 2026:  A day after the United Naga Council alleged that 20 civilians were being held hostage in the Leilon Veiphei area of Senapati district, the Manipur government, today (Thursday, 14th May 2026) has confirmed that more than 38 people from both the Kuki and Naga communities were being held captive in different parts of the state.

Manipur Home Minister K. Govindas Konthoujam said efforts were underway to secure the safe release of the civilians and restore normalcy amid escalating tensions following recent violence in the state. “The civilians being held hostage are still not released. We are negotiating along with civil society organisations and political leaders. In total, over 38 people from both communities are being held hostage and we need to exercise restraint. Violence must stop”, the minister said, while further asserting that the Ministry of Home Affairs had been apprised of the situation through the Intelligence Bureau. “We have informed the Ministry of Home Affairs through the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and are taking care of all those being held captive,” he said.

When asked whether the recent incidents would be handed over to the National Investigation Agency or any other central agency for investigation, the Home Minister said no decision had been taken so far. “The government has not yet decided whether the cases will be handed over to any central agency. However, under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister, a security review meeting was held yesterday with central paramilitary forces and state security agencies. A decision will be taken soon”, he said.

Govindas also said there was growing suspicion that certain elements were deliberately attempting to derail peace efforts in Manipur. “We suspect that there are some people who do not want Manipur to return to peace and progress. We have to find that out”, he added. Earlier on Wednesday (13th May) the United Naga Council had alleged that around 20 people from different communities were being held hostage in the Leilon Veiphei area of the Senapati district.

In a statement, the council, citing local sources, claimed that the civilians were allegedly abducted around 10.45 hours by suspected armed miscreants from Leilon Veiphei. Fresh tensions erupted on Wednesday morning after 03 church leaders, including a leader associated with the Thadou Baptist Association, were killed in an ambush in Kangpokpi district. Later in the evening, a Chiru Naga man identified as Wilson Thanga of Dolang village in Noney district was killed, while his wife sustained injuries after unidentified armed assailants allegedly opened fire on their vehicle at Joujangtek in Bishnupur district while they were returning home from Imphal.

The UNC said at least 15 individuals had been identified so far, including residents of Konsakhul village, Maram in Senapati district, Juna in Kangpokpi district, and members of the Gorkha community. A pastor, identified as Kenpibou from Juna village, and another individual identified as Reverand Manu were also reportedly among those allegedly abducted. Describing the incident as “unacceptable”, the council said targeting innocent civilians and holding them hostage violated all norms of a civilised society.

A 48-hour shutdown called by various Kuki-Zo organisations brought normal life to a near standstill across Kuki-Zo-inhabited areas of Manipur today following the killing of 03 prominent church leaders and injuries to 05 others in a deadly ambush in Kangpokpi district. The shutdown disrupted daily life across several hill districts and Kuki-Zo-dominated areas, with markets, shops, commercial establishments, educational institutions and several offices remaining closed throughout the day. Vehicular movement, including public transport services, was drastically reduced on major roads and highways, particularly along National Highway-2 passing through Sadar Hills, where civil bodies enforced a flash shutdown condemning the killings and demanding justice for the victims.

Only emergency and exempted services were seen operating in some areas. Security forces were deployed at vulnerable locations amid fears of fresh tension following the attack. The shutdown, spearheaded by the Kuki Inpi Manipur and supported by several civil society organisations and tribal bodies, came into effect from midnight of May 13th, and is scheduled to continue till midnight of May 15th.

The ambush took place on the stretch between Saparmeina and Kotlen in Kangpokpi district when 02 vehicles carrying church leaders came under attack by armed miscreants while returning to Kangpokpi after attending a conference organised by the United Thadou Baptist Churches. Meanwhile, the Joint Tribes Council Manipur, today, has issued an urgent public advisory discouraging travel along National Highway-37 due to the prevailing tense situation in the region. In a statement issued by General Secretary Dr. Aku Newme, the council urged the public to avoid unnecessary travel on the highway, particularly along the Tungjemaril stretch, until the situation improves. “The Joint Tribes Council hereby informs the general public that travel along NH-37 is strongly discouraged due to the tense situation prevailing at present”, the statement said.

Team Maverick.