Release of 14 Kuki hostages by Tangkhul civil bodies welcomed; groups cite killings since March and call for impartial probes
Edited by Kimbawinu Vaiphei
Kanggui, June 11, 2026
Fourteen Kuki civilians were released unconditionally by Tangkhul civil society groups on June 9, a move widely described by observers as a humanitarian gesture. The individuals were handed over to community representatives after weeks of captivity amid ongoing Kuki-Tangkhul tensions in Manipur’s hill districts.
12 Kuki Deaths Reported Since March:
According to compilations from Kuki organizations, at least 12 Kuki villagers have been killed in separate incidents since March 2026. The fatalities include farmers, church leaders, village volunteers, and, in one case, an unborn child. The incidents span several locations: Litan, Mulam-Shongphel, the Kotzim-Kotlen route, Loibol Khullen, and Lasan.
Villages Cite Insecurity and Arson:
In addition to the killings, multiple homes in Kuki villages were reportedly set ablaze during attacks over the past four months. Residents have described growing insecurity, especially for farmers needing access to fields during the monsoon planting season. Restricted movement and fear of further violence have been reported across parts of Kangpokpi, Tengnoupal, and adjoining areas.
Chronology of Reported Incidents:
Records cited by Kuki bodies list March 11 as the first major incident, when two men from Kuki villages who left to repair a water pipeline were found dead the next day. On April 24, two village volunteers were killed between Mulam and Songphel in Ukhrul district. Three church leaders were ambushed along the Kotzim-Kotlen route on May 13.
June Incidents Add to Toll:
The deadliest single incident occurred June 5 at Loibol Khullen, where four people died, including an expectant mother. On June 9, a farmer from Lasan village was killed in the Twilang area. His body was later brought to Kangpokpi District Hospital under security escort, prompting a district-wide shutdown called by the Committee on Tribal Unity until his burial.
March Release Cited as Goodwill Precedent:
Kuki Inpi Manipur had earlier facilitated the release of 21 individuals on March 12, 2026, including 18 civilians from the Tangkhul community and three from other communities. That release was described at the time as a goodwill measure to reduce hostilities. Kuki organizations now view the June 9 release of 14 Kuki hostages as a delayed reciprocal step amid ongoing Kuki-Tangkhul tensions.
Tangkhul Casualties Also Recorded:
Accounts compiled by civil groups note that six Naga individuals have also lost their lives in related incidents during the same four-month period. Both communities have issued statements condemning civilian killings and urging impartial investigations.
Police Recovery and Investigation Demands:
On June 10, Manipur Police recovered the mortal remains of six persons. Kuki civil bodies have since reiterated calls for thorough probes into all killings since March, timely forensic processes, and protection for villages. They argue that unresolved cases deepen mistrust and hinder reconciliation efforts between Kuki and Tangkhul communities.
Calls for Protection and Dialogue:
While the release of hostages has been welcomed, community leaders say baseline humanitarian actions are not a substitute for accountability. Organizations are urging state and central authorities to ensure security for farmers, document evidence, and facilitate structured dialogue between community representatives to prevent further loss of life.
