01/06/2026
1 June |The Joint Tribes Council-Manipur (JTC-Manipur) has declared an immediate, total emergency shutdown across the Zeliangrong region, covering Inpui, Liangmai, Rongmei, and Zeme areas.
The council cited the disappearance of six Naga civilians and its opposition to the reported release of 14 Kuki refugees as reasons for the shutdown.
In a statement issued by its Media and Publicity wing, the organization said the shutdown decision followed a request reportedly made by the Manipur Government and a subsequent decision by the United Naga Council (UNC) regarding the release of 14 Kuki detainees or refugees, while the fate and whereabouts of the six missing civilians remain unknown.
According to JTC-Manipur, the six individuals were allegedly abducted on May 13, 2026, during the ongoing crisis. The organization further claimed that the abduction involved individuals from Leilon Veiphei Kuki Village acting in collaboration with illegal Kuki militants.
The organization stated that the continued uncertainty surrounding the six missing civilians, now entering its third week according to the release, had raised serious concerns within the community. JTC-Manipur described the reported release decision as unjust and said it believed the move could negatively affect efforts to secure the safe return of the missing individuals.
As part of the emergency shutdown, JTC-Manipur announced several restrictions across the affected areas. These include the suspension of business activities along national highways, closure of educational institutions and offices, suspension of banking services, and restrictions on public transport and gatherings until further notice.
The organization outlined several demands, including the immediate location and safe release of the six missing civilians, the continued detention of the 14 Kuki refugees until the missing individuals are returned, an investigation into the alleged links between refugees and armed groups, and accountability from the Manipur Government regarding its handling of the situation.
JTC- also appealed to the public to support and comply with the shutdown measures, saying collective participation was necessary to increase pressure on authorities to act.
Meanwhile, the United Naga Council has canceled the proposed release of 14 detainees, which was earlier scheduled for 2:00 PM on June 1, 2026. In a declaration issued today, the council said the decision was made considering the prevailing sentiments of the public.
Emergency Shutdown Declared Across Region Over Six Missing Naga Civilians...
