Imphal : Several hostages belonging to both the Naga and Kuki communities were released overnight and on Friday morning amid rising tensions and fresh violence across Manipur’s hill districts, following ultimatum notices issued by organisations representing the two communities.

Sources said six individuals, including four women and two men, who were allegedly held captive by a Naga group in the Ireng Naga area, were safely handed over to authorities on Thursday night. In a separate development, eight more hostages – six women and two men – reportedly held by Naga groups in Senapati district were released and handed over at the Makhan Baptist Church compound around midnight.

On Friday morning, twelve women from Konshakhul village, who were allegedly detained by a Kuki group at Leilon Vaiphei, were also released at Makhan. Sources added that two Salesian brothers were freed safely later in the morning.

Authorities further confirmed that two hostages allegedly held by Naga groups within Senapati jurisdiction had already been released on Thursday, May 14. One of them was handed over to the police, while another Kuki woman was reportedly released considering her age and gender.

However, officials and community sources indicated that the exact number of hostages released so far could not be independently verified at the time of filing, as confirmations from different locations continued to emerge through the day.

The releases came shortly after both Naga and Kuki organisations issued separate ultimatum notices demanding the immediate release of members of their respective communities.

The Joint Tribes Council Manipur (JTCM), representing the Inpui, Liangmai, Rongmei and Zeme communities, had on Thursday issued a 12-hour ultimatum seeking the release of an alleged Naga hostage before 6 am on May 15. The council warned of possible escalation and stated that the Kuki community would be held responsible for any fallout arising from non-compliance.

Simultaneously, Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) issued what it described as a “final and non-negotiable ultimatum”, demanding the release of over 25 alleged Kuki hostages in Senapati district and six others reportedly held in the Ireng Naga area before 5 am on Friday.

The developments come amid renewed violence in Manipur that has reportedly claimed at least four lives in recent days, intensifying tensions in several vulnerable hill areas.

Earlier, Manipur Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam had stated that more than 38 individuals from both the Naga and Kuki communities were allegedly being held hostage by different groups across the state.

Despite the latest releases, uncertainty continues over the number of people still allegedly being held by different groups, as authorities have not yet issued any updated official figures.

Security forces remain on heightened deployment across sensitive areas, while civil society organisations and community leaders continue efforts to secure the safe return of those still reported missing or detained.

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