Edited by St Ginth Haokip, Kukiland Express Desk
Songpi: May 15, 2026
Fourteen Kuki civilians remain in captivity despite reported exchanges involving the NSCN-IM and the Senapati District Students’ Association (SDSA), with fresh appeals on May 15, 2026 urging the Government of India to intervene for their immediate release.
A poster circulated on Thursday identified the hostages as Kaimang Kuki, Haominlun Kuki, Lunsei Kuki, Hengunsei Kuki, Luntinlal Kuki, Paotinkai Kuki, Thangminlen Kuki, Thanglenmang Kuki, Tonggoulen Kuki, Paogouthang Kuki, Thangtinlen Kuki, Sehminhao Kuki, Sehginlun Kuki, and Lamggoulen Kuki. The poster said the 14 are still being held by NSCN-IM along with SDSA.
The poster noted that “disturbing reports and rumours have emerged claiming that some of the male hostages may have been killed,” causing “immense fear and uncertainty” among families. The status of the hostages remains unverified, with the poster asking: “Alive or Dead??”
Families of the detainees said they have received no official communication on the condition or location of their relatives since the abductions. Civil groups said the lack of information has deepened anxiety in Kuki villages across Kangpokpi and Sadar Hills, especially after the May 13 ambush that killed three church leaders in the district.
Local organisations have asked the Deputy Commissioner of Senapati and the state administration to verify the claims and facilitate a safe handover. Community leaders warned that continued silence from authorities could trigger unrest in the hill areas, where tensions have remained high since early May.
The appeal calls for urgent intervention by the Centre to ensure the safe release of all 14 Kuki hostages. Community leaders said the Government of India must act before the situation deteriorates further. The information was shared by 𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐊𝐈𝐌𝐓𝐄𝐀𝐖𝐆𝐈𝐍.
