Efforts on to release Kuki, Naga people held hostage in Manipur, say Ministers

Following the killings of four church leaders in separate ambushes, Govindas Konthoujam, Losii Dikho and other officials confirmed that at least 38 people from the Kuki and Naga communities are being held hostage by various groups. The attacks occurred in the Kuki-dominated Kangpokpi district and the Naga-majority Noney district. The Deputy Chief Minister stated that talks were ongoing with both Kuki and Naga groups, but no resolution was reached. Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, a Manipur Congress MP, criticized the government's handling of the situation. The United Naga Council (UNC) issued an ultimatum to the state government demanding the release of 20 hostages held by Kuki groups.