IMPHAL, MAY 17: With the expiry of the deadline for safe release of six Nagas allegedly held hostage by “Kuki militants”, the United Naga Council (UNC) on Sunday announced an “inter-district economic blockade” along national highways in Naga areas of Manipur with immediate effect.
In a statement, UNC said the blockade would continue until the “safe rescue and release” of the remaining hostages.
According to Newmai News, the council had issued an ultimatum to the Manipur government on May 14, demanding safe release of 20 Naga hostages allegedly held by “Kuki militant groups” at Leilon Vaiphei village and Sapermaina Kuki village within 24 hours.
According to UNC, 14 hostages were released on May 15, but six others, including two pastors, continued to remain in captivity. UNC said the state government had sought additional time till 2 pm of May 16 to trace and rescue the remaining hostages, following which the deadline was extended again to facilitate ongoing search operations.
However, the council alleged that despite repeated deferments, the six innocent Naga civilians were yet to be rescued and claimed that state authorities had failed to trace them even after expiry of the extended deadline at 6 pm on May 17.
“Given the situation, we are constrained to launch an inter-district economic blockade along the national highways in the Naga areas in Manipur with immediate effect until the safe rescue and release of the Naga hostages are duly carried out,” UNC stated.
Monday, May 18, 2026