Kuki Apex Body Extends Shutdown Again By Another 48-Hours; Demands ‘Immediate, Unconditional’ Release of Kuki-Zo Hostages

The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the apex body of the Kuki tribes, on Thursday announced a fresh 48-hour extension of the ongoing shutdown across Kuki-Zo areas, intensifying pressure over the continued detention and alleged hostage-taking of Kuki-Zo individuals in the Senapati and Ireng Naga areas.

KIM said the shutdown extension would come into effect from midnight of May 21, asserting that the “unconditional and immediate release” of all Kuki-Zo hostages remained its “primary concern”.

The organisation said the decision was necessitated by the “continued detention and hostage-taking” amid escalating tensions since May 13.

“Despite the disturbing developments and rising tensions, the Kuki-Zo community has continued to exercise maximum restraint and responsibility in the interest of peace and coexistence,” the statement said.

KIM claimed that even after reports surfaced regarding the abduction and detention of Kuki-Zo civilians, safe passage was extended to more than 200 Naga individuals as a humanitarian gesture aimed at preserving communal harmony.

The Kuki apex body also recalled the safe release of 21 Naga hostages in Ukhrul despite two brutal killings of Kuki-Zo individuals, besides the safe release of another five Naga hostages in the IT Road area purely on humanitarian grounds and in the larger interest of peace.

In another significant revelation, the organisation stated that the President of the Maralui Karalimei Swijoikang (Maran Students’ Union) had also been released on humanitarian grounds as a goodwill measure and as part of efforts toward de-escalation and peaceful understanding between communities.

“The Kuki-Zo people have done all within our capacity to ensure peace, harmony and restraint during this difficult time. Such gestures of goodwill and humanity must now be reciprocated in equal measure,” KIM stated.

The apex tribal body once again urged for the “immediate and unconditional release” of all Kuki-Zo hostages without delay, signalling that public anger and frustration continue to deepen over the ongoing crisis.

The shutdown, now extended for the fourth consecutive time, comes amid heightened ethnic tensions and growing uncertainty across parts of Manipur, with community organisations warning that failure to resolve the hostage issue could further aggravate the already volatile situation.