Manipur: The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) on Friday issued an urgent appeal for peace amid escalating tensions in Manipur, calling on all armed groups to refrain from violence and demanding the immediate handover of all hostages, whether “alive or dead”, to the authorities and their families.

The apex body representing the Kuki-Zo communities also urged the government to act impartially and ensure the safety and security of civilians across the conflict-hit state.

Hostage crisis deepens after twin ambush in Kangpokpi and Noney

The appeal comes in the aftermath of a twin ambush at separate locations that resulted in the deaths of three church leaders in Kangpokpi district and one Naga man in Noney district on May 13.

Following the incident, both Kuki and Naga organisations have stated that 48 people, including 28 Kukis and 20 Nagas, have been held hostage.

However, Manipur Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam has maintained that over 38 individuals belonging to both communities are currently being held.

Series of releases and ultimatums from Naga bodies

On May 14, the United Naga Council issued an ultimatum to the Manipur government demanding the immediate release of all hostages.

A day later, 14 hostages from the Kuki community and 14 from the Naga community were released.

Among the remaining captives, six Naga hostages are still in custody, including two pastors.

Kuki-Zo Council resolution following consultative meeting

The Kuki-Zo Council’s statement was issued following a declaration adopted during a leaders’ consultative meeting held on Thursday at Kuki Inpi Churachandpur (KIC) Hall in Tuibuong, Churachandpur district of Manipur.

The meeting brought together leaders from various tribes, chiefs’ associations, church forums, philanthropic groups, MLAs, and leaders under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) framework.

Participants unanimously resolved to work towards peace, understanding, and peaceful coexistence. The gathering also appealed for “peace, harmony, and brotherhood with our Naga brothers in Manipur in the true spirit of Christianity.”

Call for immediate release of hostages and humanitarian appeal

In its statement, the Kuki-Zo Council said that, “in the interest of humanity, justice, and peace,” all hostages, whether alive or dead, must be handed over to the appropriate authorities and concerned families without delay.

The council also urged the government and security forces to act impartially to ensure civilian safety and to work towards restoring normalcy, trust, and public confidence.

It further stated that dialogue, mutual respect, and reconciliation must take precedence over violence and confrontation, particularly at what it described as a sensitive and critical juncture.

The KZC emphasised that lasting peace can only be achieved through understanding, cooperation, and collective responsibility.

Ongoing ethnic conflict and security situation in Manipur

The hostage crisis forms part of a broader and continuing cycle of violence in Manipur, where ethnic clashes have persisted intermittently despite the deployment of thousands of security personnel.

Since ethnic violence began in May 2023, the state’s Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities have largely remained segregated in their respective areas, with at least 260 reported deaths and around 60,000 people displaced.

The clashes initially erupted between the Meitei and Kuki communities but later expanded to involve multiple ethnic groups across the state. The Meiteis, predominantly Hindu, are largely based in the Imphal valley, while the Kukis, predominantly Christian, reside in the hill districts.

Government position and political developments

Chief Minister N Biren Singh has maintained that there are no formal buffer zones dividing communities in the state, although the government has identified certain sensitive areas for security purposes.

His administration was formed in February, nearly a year after the imposition of President’s Rule. The current government includes representatives from all three major communities as part of efforts to maintain ethnic balance and stability in the region.