Kuki Inpi Issues Ultimatum for Safe Release of Alleged Hostages in Senapati and Ireng Naga

The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) has issued a final ultimatum demanding the immediate and unconditional release of more than 25 alleged Kuki hostages in Senapati district and six others reportedly detained at Ireng Naga.

In a strongly worded statement issued by Janghaolun Haokip, Secretary of Information and Publicity, the apex body said the detentions had become “utterly unacceptable, inhuman, and barbaric,” especially at a time when the Kuki-Zo community is mourning the killing of church leaders described as emissaries of peace and reconciliation.

The organisation stated that the continued captivity of civilians was a gross violation of human dignity and democratic norms, and accused those responsible of provoking tensions during a period of grief for the community.

Kuki Inpi set a deadline of 5:00 a.m. on May 15, 2026, for the safe and unconditional release of all those allegedly detained.

It warned that failure to comply within the stipulated time would make the concerned civil society organisations and responsible actors in Senapati district fully accountable for any consequences arising thereafter, including deterioration of law and order or further escalation of tensions.

The statement further said that the Kuki-Zo people had exercised restraint despite persecution, killings, intimidation, and targeted aggression, but cautioned that their patience should not be mistaken for weakness.

Kuki Inpi urged all concerned parties to act immediately to prevent the situation from reaching an irreversible and uncontrollable stage.