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Kukiland, Kukiland, Aizawl (2026)

04/06/2026

To
The Editors
India Today NE, Northeast Publish, Northeast Now, Ukhrul Times, Northeast Live, The Times of India, The Hindu

Subject: Request for strict verification of Manipur-related reporting

Respected Editors,

I am writing regarding the coverage of the ongoing situation in Manipur. A significant volume of news and articles attributed to sources from Manipur Naga and Meitei communities is circulating. From ground-level experience, much of this material contains unverified claims, exaggerations, and propaganda. When republished without independent corroboration, it leads to widespread misunderstanding of the reality in Manipur.

I specifically request extra scrutiny of statements and press releases issued in the name of the Thadou Students’ Association (TSA), Thadou Inpi Manipur, and Thadou Human Rights Advocacy (THRA). These self-styled organisations are run by Michael Lamjathang Haokip and James Haokip, who were disowned by their community, and supported by the so-called former Manipur CM Mr. N. Biren Singh. Statements circulated under these association names have been against one community, which is against the law of news, but are contested on the ground.

I urge your newsrooms to verify the legal registration, current office bearers, and actual mandate of any such association before publishing its claims as representative views.

I request your publications to:

1. Verify before publishing: Do not carry reports, statements, or articles on Manipur unless the facts are independently confirmed through multiple, credible sources.
2. Distinguish personal views from official positions: Please ensure that statements issued by individuals or associations are clearly attributed, and confirm whether they represent a recognized community body or a personal viewpoint.
3. Follow constitutional and legal standards for media: Uphold the principles laid down under Indian law, including the Press Council of India’s Norms of Journalistic Conduct, and Section 19(1)(a) with reasonable restrictions under 19(2) of the Constitution. Accuracy, fairness, and the right to reply are essential.

Responsible reporting is critical right now. Unverified publication directly impacts public order and community relations. I urge all your newsrooms to set a higher bar for evidence before any Manipur-related content is released.

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimneihoi Haokip

Supreme Court of India IndiaToday NE Northeast Live NorthEast Now NorthEast Publish The Times of India The Hindu Northeast Today Human Rights Watch Narendra Modi Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India

04/06/2026

Saikul MLA Stands with Families of 14 Kuki Hostages in Taphou, Distributes Relief and Joins Sit-in, Demands Swift Action

Kanggui: June 4, 2026
Saikul MLA Kimneo Hangshing on Wednesday travelled to Taphou Village in Senapati district to meet the relatives of 14 individuals from the Kuki community who are currently being held hostage. The visit was aimed at extending moral support and assessing the immediate needs of the affected families during what she described as a deeply distressing period. Addressing the families, Hangshing stressed that the detained youths have no criminal involvement and their captivity appears to be solely linked to their community identity. She called for patience and resilience, assuring the relatives that efforts for the safe release of the hostages are ongoing at multiple levels.

During her interaction, the MLA emphasized that no citizen should be targeted because of their ethnic background and urged authorities to expedite measures to secure the freedom of the 14 individuals. She reiterated her commitment to raise the matter with the state administration and ensure that the concerns of the families are heard in appropriate forums. The families, many of whom have been under severe emotional and financial strain, welcomed Hangshing’s presence and her assurance of continued advocacy on their behalf.

As part of the visit, Hangshing distributed essential supplies including rice, lentils, potatoes, and other household staples to help the families cope with daily hardships. The relief items were intended to provide short-term assistance while the families await the return of their relatives. In a gesture of solidarity, the MLA also participated in a brief sit-in protest alongside the family members at Taphou Village. The symbolic act was meant to highlight the collective demand for justice and the immediate release of the hostages.

The incident has drawn attention to the wider humanitarian challenges facing displaced and affected families in Manipur. Hangshing’s visit underscores the role of elected representatives in directly engaging with victims and conveying their grievances to the government. The families have appealed for swift action and sustained attention from both state and central agencies until all 14 individuals are safely reunited with their homes.

Edited by Kukiland Media

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03/06/2026

Kuki Women Launch Indefinite Sit-In at Wall of Remembrance, Demand Release of 14 Hostages and Justice for Slain Pastors

Songpi, June 4, 2026
Hundreds of Kuki women from across Churachandpur district converged at the Wall of Remembrance in Tuibong on Wednesday, launching an indefinite sit-in demonstration to press for the release of 14 Kuki hostages and the arrest of those behind the killing of three Kuki pastors. The protest, spearheaded by the Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF) Women’s Wing, saw participants from multiple localities assemble with placards, banners, and messages demanding immediate government action. Organizers said the gathering was a collective response to what they described as prolonged silence and inaction over crimes targeting the Kuki community.

The sit-in, which began on Tuesday and intensified on Wednesday, is being staged as a round-the-clock vigil. Protesters have vowed not to withdraw until their core demands are met: the unconditional release of all 14 Kuki individuals currently held hostage, and the swift identification and arrest of those responsible for the murder of the three pastors. Women at the venue expressed deep anguish over the killings and the hostage situation, stating that the incidents have compounded the trauma faced by the community amid ongoing instability in the region. The Wall of Remembrance, a site symbolizing collective mourning and resistance, was chosen to underscore the gravity of their demands.

ITLF Women’s Wing leaders addressing the gathering alleged a pattern of targeted violence against the Kuki people and criticized authorities for what they termed as delayed justice. They argued that accountability in the pastors’ killing and the safe return of the hostages are non-negotiable prerequisites for restoring faith in law and order. The protesters emphasized that their agitation would remain peaceful but firm, with plans to continue the sit-in daily until concrete action is visible on the ground. Community volunteers are coordinating logistics, food, and medical support to sustain the demonstration.

As of Wednesday evening, no official response had been issued by state authorities regarding the demands raised at the sit-in. The protest adds to a series of civic actions by Kuki groups in recent weeks seeking redress for security concerns and alleged rights violations. With placards reading calls for justice and hostage release, the women at Tuibong have signaled that the demonstration will expand if their appeals remain unheard. The situation is being closely monitored by local administration and civil society observers.

Edited by Kukiland Media

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03/06/2026

KIM Moves Police Against Social Media Platforms Over Alleged Defamatory Publications

Kanggui, June 3, 2026
The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) has lodged a formal police complaint demanding the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against the administrators and operators of two WhatsApp channels — “Behind the Truth” and “Zomi Info” — along with the page “Northeast Publish.” The complaint alleges that these platforms deliberately published and circulated false, misleading, and defamatory material aimed at maligning the apex Kuki body. Filed at the Kangpokpi Police Station, the complaint seeks immediate legal intervention to halt the spread of what KIM describes as a fabricated press release falsely attributed to the organization.

The complaint was submitted by Paojalal Hangshing, Assistant Secretary for Information and Publicity, Kuki Inpi Manipur. According to the filing, the disputed content consisted of an entirely concocted press release that was never issued by KIM, yet was presented as authentic and widely disseminated across the named social media platforms. KIM maintains that the material was created with malicious intent to damage its reputation and credibility during a period of heightened sensitivity in the state. The organization stated that the act was not a case of mistaken reporting but a deliberate attempt to mislead the public by misusing the organization’s name and letterhead.

KIM further emphasized that despite issuing timely clarifications and rebuttals through its verified official social media handles, the false content continued to circulate unchecked. The organization argued that the persistence of the publications poses a serious risk of inflaming communal sentiments and disturbing public order, particularly given the fragile social environment in Manipur. The complaint noted that such disinformation campaigns threaten communal harmony and could incite mistrust between communities if left unaddressed by law enforcement agencies and the platforms hosting the content.

In its petition to the Officer-in-Charge of Kangpokpi Police Station, KIM invoked multiple legal provisions to substantiate its case. The complaint cites relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, pertaining to defamation, public mischief, and promoting enmity between groups. It also references the Information Technology Act, 2000, specifically provisions dealing with the publication and transmission of false information through digital means. KIM has urged authorities to treat the matter as a serious cyber offense with implications for peace and security in the region.

The organization has placed four specific demands before the police. First, it seeks the immediate registration of an FIR against all individuals responsible for creating and managing the content on the named platforms. Second, it requests a comprehensive investigation to trace the origin of the fabricated press release and identify the chain of circulation. Third, KIM has asked investigators to obtain digital records, logs, and account details from WhatsApp and Meta to aid the probe. Finally, it has called for urgent legal action against the perpetrators and for measures to ensure the defamatory material is taken down to prevent further dissemination.

Alongside the written complaint, KIM submitted documentary evidence including timestamped screenshots of the posts, links to the channels and page, and copies of its official clarification statements. As of the time of reporting, the administrators of “Behind the Truth,” “Zomi Info,” and “Northeast Publish” have not issued any public response or statement regarding the allegations. Police officials at Kangpokpi Police Station have acknowledged receipt of the complaint, and the matter is now expected to undergo preliminary inquiry before further legal steps are initiated under applicable laws.

Edited by Kukilamd Media

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03/06/2026

Phaten Ngai Uvin

Ipi aphatchom na um'a Meilhei hohi 'Ehsan te' tia nakou uva, Milong hohi 'Ukeng ne' tia nakou uham? Sopite, hitia ikou uhi amaho dinga effect or asetna imacha umlou ahi.

Hiche sang chun, eihon jong ama hohi - Meitei refugee, Tangkhul refugee, foreigner, illegal immigrant tia ile kou joh diu ahi. Ajehchu, Tangkhul hohi China gam akuon Manipur hunglut ahiuvin Meilhei hohi Thailand lang akuon ahiuve. Chutileh, centre or mainland langa um ho hinvet ding achu ama hohi akikou tuo mai² ahiuvin thakhat ahiuve, tia alah diu ahi.

Tu'a eihon ukeng ne or ehsan te tia ikou uhi media lah jeng ajong amaho dinga imacha effect umlou hel ahi. Eihon jong ama hohi refugee, foreigner, illegal immigrants tia ile koulou uva ahileh, ama hon eiho eikou nau hi effect um ahitai.

~SG. HAOKIP

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03/06/2026

Wake Up Tangkhuls, Do Not Be Tangfools: Fight for your freedom, Not The Kukis

By: Sasang Haokip

The Tangkhul must focus on securing their political future through democratic means, not through conflict with the Kuki. For decades, both communities have faced structural neglect and a lack of genuine representation under the current administrative setup in Manipur. The political struggle is about self-determination and administrative safeguards, not about fighting each other. Our energy belongs in legislative halls, public forums, and negotiations with the Union government, where the real decisions about our governance are made. Diverting that struggle into inter-community tension only weakens the broader demand for justice.

Kukis are already engaged in a political movement for freedom from an administrative system that has failed to protect their rights, land, and identity. That movement is rooted in constitutional demands for a separate administration, not in hostility toward neighbors. The Tangkhul have their own distinct history, territory, and political aspirations that deserve the same respect and institutional space. Recognizing these parallel struggles is the first step toward building solidarity instead of suspicion. Our futures are not zero-sum.

Tangkhul, wake up. For too long, political promises from Imphal have delivered only delay and division while our villages lack roads, schools, and security. Do not be fooled again by assurances that ignore our demand for dignity and self-governance. Our history of standing firm for our land must now translate into clear political clarity: our future will not be decided by those who benefit from our disunity. The time for silence is over. We must speak with one voice in Delhi, through memorandums, elected representatives, and lawful agitation. Political awakening, not misplaced trust, will secure the safeguards our children deserve.

We, the Kuki and Tangkhul, need a separate administration from Manipur that guarantees security, cultural rights, and equitable development for both peoples. The path forward is political dialogue, constitutional advocacy, and unified representation before New Delhi. Conflict between us serves only the status quo. A negotiated political settlement that addresses the aspirations of both communities is the only durable solution. The goal is not war. The goal is a political arrangement where both Kuki and Tangkhul can live with dignity, free from the cycle of distrust that Imphal’s policies have created.

03/06/2026

The Ancient Origins of the Kuki Name

By: SG. Haokip

The name 'Kuki' has existed since long before the British arrived in India. 'Kuki' is not a name given by the British or Bengali people.

Evidence of Kuki Presence in Ancient Texts:

Ancient texts like the _Mahabharata_ and the _Tripura Rajmala_ are cited by some groups as evidence of a Kuki presence in the Northeast, with mentions of Kiratas who were likely related to the Kuki people, and later historical accounts that connect them to ancient deities and religious practices.

Mentions of Kuki People in Ancient Texts:

- Mahabharata: The epic poem is said to mention the Kiratas, a group that some sources link to the Kuki people of the Northeast. The Kiratas contributed to a large sacrifice performed by King Subrai, according to the _Tripura Rajmala_.
- Tripura Rajmala: This royal chronicle of Tripura contains detailed accounts of the Kuki people and their history, going back to the 6th or 7th century BCE. It mentions the Kuki people as staunch followers of Shiva.
- Taranatha's History of Buddhism: This ancient text references the eastern frontier peoples and counts the Kukis among them, noting their existence since the early Buddhist period, well before the rise of modern hill principalities.

Kuki Religious Practices:

- The Tripura Rajmala notes that the Kuki people were followers of Lord Shiva.
- During the reign of King Dhanya Manikya, there is a mention of a prosperous Shiva Linga in a Kuki-inhabited area, which the king's son-in-law reportedly stole.

Significance of these Ancient Texts:

- These texts are used to support the claim of a long-standing Kuki presence in the Northeast.
- They highlight the Kuki people's historical interactions with other communities and rulers in the region.

Geographical Spread of the Kuki People:

The people living in the Chittagong Hill Tracts of present-day Bangladesh, parts of western Myanmar, and large tracts of Northeast India are collectively identified as Kuki. They include kindred tribes such as the Mizo, Chin, Hmar, Zomi, Bawm, Paite, Gangte, Simte, Vaiphei, and others. Though known by different names in different regions, they share common ancestry, linguistic roots, and cultural traditions, forming part of the broader Kuki ethnic group.

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02/06/2026

Modi Hosts Myanmar Junta Chief in New Delhi as Critics Slam ‘Legitimacy’ to Military Rule

New Delhi!: June 3, 2026
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held high-level talks with Myanmar’s military ruler Min Aung Hlaing at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on June 1, 2026, drawing sharp criticism from opposition groups and rights advocates. The meeting marks Min Aung Hlaing’s first official visit to India since being sworn in as president in April, following a controversial election widely condemned as a move to entrench military control. His last trip to the country was in 2019, when he served as Myanmar’s army chief. The junta leader arrived in India on Saturday, beginning his five-day state visit with a stop in Bihar at Bodh Gaya, the revered Buddhist site where Gautama Buddha is believed to have attained enlightenment.

Addressing reporters after the closed-door meeting, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri defended New Delhi’s continued engagement with Naypyidaw, stating that India’s policy “is not intended to be a commentary on the internal political arrangements” in Myanmar. Misri stressed that sustained dialogue remains India’s preferred approach, arguing that “history has shown that disengagement doesn’t give us any results that are better than engagement.” He added that isolating Myanmar would be counterproductive to regional stability and India’s own strategic interests, particularly along the 1,643-kilometre shared border and maritime boundary in the Bay of Bengal.

The visit has triggered backlash from Myanmar’s National Unity Government, the shadow administration formed by lawmakers ousted in the 2021 coup. NUG Foreign Minister Zin Mar Aung sent a formal letter to India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on May 28, expressing “deep concern” over the trip. “Since the military coup of 2021, which overturned the democratic will of the people, Myanmar has endured prolonged conflict, instability, and immense humanitarian suffering,” she wrote. The NUG urged New Delhi to “weigh carefully the broader implications of formal engagement that may normalise or legitimise military rule in Myanmar,” warning that such meetings risk undermining India’s own democratic credentials in the region.

Western nations have largely sought to isolate Myanmar’s generals since the February 2021 coup, which saw the detention of civilian leaders including Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi and plunged the country into a brutal civil war. Resistance groups, known as the People’s Defence Force, have since captured large territories while operating under ethnic armed organizations that provide training and weapons. Despite international sanctions, Min Aung Hlaing has attempted to bolster diplomatic ties, positioning himself as president after an April swearing-in that critics say was orchestrated to present a veneer of civilian governance.

According to Misri, Modi and Min Aung Hlaing discussed a wide range of issues including trade, defence and security cooperation, border management, and regional connectivity. Both sides agreed to accelerate major infrastructure projects and deepen collaboration in energy, critical minerals, and technology. Bilateral trade between the two nations stood at $1.95bn in 2025-2026. The two leaders also addressed cybercrime and human trafficking, with Misri noting that India and Myanmar have jointly rescued more than 2,400 Indian nationals from scam centres in the region over the past 18 months. Min Aung Hlaing is scheduled to meet business representatives in Mumbai later this week.

Security cooperation remains a cornerstone of India-Myanmar relations. The two countries have a history of intelligence sharing and coordinated operations against insurgent groups operating along their porous border. New Delhi views stability in Myanmar as critical to securing its northeastern states and advancing its Act East policy. However, human rights organizations argue that engagement without pressure for democratic reforms enables the junta’s continued repression. Since the coup, thousands have been killed and Aung San Suu Kyi remains detained, though Myanmar’s military pardoned over 4,000 prisoners in April, including deposed President Win Myint, and reduced Suu Kyi’s jail sentence.

Unlike most bilateral visits to New Delhi, Modi and Min Aung Hlaing did not hold a joint press conference or issue a public statement following their talks. The absence of media access has fueled further criticism that the meeting was designed to avoid scrutiny. Photographs released by Indian and international agencies showed the two leaders shaking hands before their discussions at Hyderabad House. For India, balancing strategic interests with democratic values remains a diplomatic tightrope. As Misri put it, “We have always proceeded on the principle that sustained dialogue is what is important.”

The visit underscores a deepening divergence between India’s approach and that of Western powers toward Myanmar’s military government. While the United States and European Union maintain sanctions and call for the restoration of civilian rule, New Delhi has opted for pragmatic engagement, citing border security and regional influence. With resistance forces continuing to challenge the junta’s control and humanitarian conditions deteriorating, the long-term impact of India’s policy remains uncertain. For now, Min Aung Hlaing’s red-carpet reception in New Delhi signals that the military regime is finding avenues to break its international isolation, one strategic partnership at a time.

Edited by Kukiland Media

02/06/2026

Kuki People: Indigenous Hill Landowners of Manipur with Full Authority to Identify their Ancestral Land as “Kukiland”

The indigenous status of the Kuki people over the hill tracts of Manipur is firmly established through a wide spectrum of historical, ethnographic, linguistic, cartographic, colonial, and demographic records. This evidentiary framework confirms their ancestral continuity and territorial sovereignty, thereby giving them full authority to identify their homeland as “Kukiland.”

1. Ancient Historical References

The Tripura Rajmala, the royal chronicle of Tripura, records the presence of eastern hill tribes like the Kukis in the pre-Christian era, acknowledging them as independent highland dwellers.

Tripura copper plate inscriptions (641 CE & 1194 CE) confirm Kuki presence in Manipur.

2. Medieval Chronicles & Manipuri Royal Records

Taranatha’s History of Buddhism in India (Chapter 39, “Koki Country”) references Kukis as a recognized frontier people since the early Buddhist period.

The Cheitharol Kumbaba (Court Chronicle of Manipur Kings, dating back to 264 AD) and Meitei Pooyas record Kukis as early allies and rivals of Meitei rulers.

Kuki chiefs, Ahongba and Achouba, were allies of Nongdam Lauren Pakhangba in 33 AD, whose mother herself was a Kuki woman.

These records establish that Kukis predated the advent of Naga tribes into southern Manipur.

3. Colonial Ethnography & Administrative Records

G.A. Grierson’s Linguistic Survey of India (1904) identifies Kukis as older Tibeto-Burman settlers in Manipur hills, with territorial reach stretching from Nagaland in the north to the Bay of Bengal in the west, and into Burma in the east and south.

Indian Historical Records Commission (1926, p.17) describes Manipur (Meckley) as surrounded on all sides by “Kuki Mountains,” reaffirming territorial primacy.

William Shaw’s The Thadou Kukis (1929) documents the hereditary chieftainship and clan-based landownership system of Kukis — unlike the later-settling Kacha-Nagas.

Colonial maps and British archives (1907 Kuki Hills Map, Assam State Archives) officially designated areas like Chassad, Mombi, Jampi, and Haokip territory as Kuki domains.

The Kuki Rebellion Records (1917–1919) in Assam State Archives confirm organized resistance to British intrusion, underscoring their sovereign land rights.

4. The Anglo-Kuki War (1917–1919)

The Kukis launched a full-fledged anti-colonial struggle against forced British recruitment and intrusion.

Over 126 villages were burned, yet the Kukis resisted with unity and defended their ancestral lands.

This rebellion firmly positions them within India’s broader freedom struggle.

5. Kuki Freedom Fighters under INA

During the 1940s, Kukis fought under Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose’s INA for India’s independence.

Out of 188 officially recognized freedom fighters of Manipur, 162 were Kukis, demonstrating overwhelming participation.

Their enshrinement in the INA Memorial Complex is official acknowledgment of their patriotism and territorial belonging.

6. Census Evidence of Indigenous Continuity

The 1881 Census recorded 25,384 Kukis in Manipur.

Their population grew steadily: 100,748 by 1951, and approx. 800,000 projected by 2025, without anomalies suggestive of foreign migration.

This continuous demographic presence disproves false narratives of recent immigration.

7. Contrast with Kacha Naga Settlers

Historical, cartographic, and ethnographic records do not support indigenous status of the Kacha Nagas in Manipur’s southern hills.

Their presence is largely post-19th century, without hereditary clan-based territorial claims.

British records and Grierson classify them as recent migrants, unlike the autochthonous Kukis.

Conclusion

Taken together, these historical, ethnographic, and archival references provide conclusive proof that:

The Kuki people are the indigenous, autochthonous landowners of the hill areas of Manipur.

They possess full traditional and historical authority to identify their ancestral homeland as “Kukiland.”

Competing claims by recent migrant groups lack comparable historical depth, territorial continuity, or recognition in authoritative records.

Therefore, the recognition of “Kukiland” as the ancestral homeland of the Kuki people is not only historically justified but constitutionally mandated under India’s protective framework for Scheduled Tribes.

~Lenin Haokip
(Kuki Inpi Manipur)

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02/06/2026

Meghalaya, Nagaland CMs Urge Immediate Release of 20 Hostages Amid Manipur Tensions, Seek Centre’s Intervention

Songpi, Jun 2, 2026
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio have called for the urgent release of 20 civilians allegedly held hostage by armed groups in Manipur, as ethnic tensions between communities in the state continue. The hostages include 14 members of the Kuki community and six from the Liangmai Naga community, who were reportedly abducted following a deadly ambush on May 13 that killed three church leaders. Both chief ministers have appealed to apex social bodies and the central government to act swiftly, warning that the prolonged captivity of non-combatants is deepening divisions in the Northeast.

In a letter addressed to the United Naga Council (UNC) and the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the respective apex bodies of the Naga and Kuki communities in Manipur, Sangma described himself as “deeply pained” by the abductions. Writing in his capacity as National People’s Party president and as “a fellow citizen and Christian,” he stressed that civilians have no role in the ongoing conflict and that their abduction “inflicts unbearable pain and deepens divisions within our society.” He noted that mothers, children, and elders are living in fear and uncertainty, and urged that such acts only widen the gap between communities that have coexisted for generations. Sangma appealed for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, along with assurances of their safety, medical care, food, and contact with families.

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, in a separate communication to the UNC, confirmed he had spoken directly with Union Home Minister Amit Shah to convey the “deep concern” of the Naga community over the abduction of the six Liangmai Nagas. Rio stated he requested Shah’s personal intervention and urged the Government of India to use all possible means to trace the abducted individuals, secure their release, and ensure legal action against those responsible. According to Rio, the Home Minister assured that necessary measures would be taken by concerned agencies to locate the hostages and identify the perpetrators. Rio added that he had also raised the matter with the Union Home Secretary and the Director of the Intelligence Bureau, citing the urgency and sensitivity of the situation.

The appeals come amid broader efforts to de-escalate the situation in Manipur, where conflict between groups began with a confrontation in February and has since led to cycles of violence and abductions. On May 15, security forces had facilitated a hostage-for-hostage exchange that resulted in the release of 14 Kukis and 14 Nagas. However, the current group of 20 civilians remains in captivity, with both the UNC and KIM being urged to intervene. Rio specifically called on the UNC to prevail upon Nagas allegedly holding 14 Kuki civilians to ensure their safe return, framing the move as a step toward reconciliation.

Sangma emphasized dialogue over violence as the path forward, stating, “Let this act of compassion mark the beginning of healing for Manipur. The people of the Northeast are watching, and history will remember those who choose humanity in times of conflict.” Both chief ministers have positioned the hostage crisis as a humanitarian issue that transcends ethnic lines, appealing to shared regional identity and moral responsibility. The statements reflect growing concern among neighboring northeastern states about the spillover effects of Manipur’s instability.

The Centre has not issued a public statement yet on the latest appeals, but officials have previously indicated that agencies are monitoring the situation closely. Families of the hostages have also continued to seek their release through community channels. With the conflict now affecting multiple communities and drawing responses from state leaders across the region, the focus remains on securing the hostages’ safety while preventing further escalation in Manipur and adjoining areas.

Edited by Kukiland Media

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