Kukiland

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