An apex body of Manipur’s Kuki-Zu communities on Friday appealed for the handover of all captives, living or dead, amid a hostage crisis and rising tensions in Naga-Kuki, the latest in a series of crises in the northeastern state, where ethnic violence has continued on and off since May 2023.
In a statement, the Kuki-Zu Council urged armed groups and individuals to refrain from committing further acts of violence. She called on the government and security forces to act impartially to ensure the safety and security of civilians.
The statement was issued a day after a meeting in Churachandpur, where tribal leaders, chiefs’ associations, church forums, charitable groups and lawmakers decided to work for peace, understanding and peaceful coexistence. The leaders called for “peace, harmony and brotherhood with our Naga brothers in Manipur in the true spirit of Christianity.”
The statement called for restraint, respect for the sanctity of human life, and upholding the values of peace and humanity. The statement read: “In the interest of humanity, justice and peace, we strongly request all concerned and responsible parties to hand over all hostages, whether alive or dead, to the competent authorities and the families concerned without delay.”
He added: “At this sensitive and critical juncture, we firmly believe that dialogue, mutual respect and reconciliation must prevail over violence and confrontation.” He added that lasting peace can only be achieved through understanding, cooperation and collective responsibility.
Tensions between the Naga and Kuki escalated following the May 13 double ambush that left four people dead, including three church leaders. Following the ambushes, 48 people were taken hostage. Fourteen Kukis and six Nagas are still being held hostage. The hostage crisis sparked protests, indefinite closures and blockades along the state’s three national highways.
On May 15, 14 hostages, from the Kuki and Naga communities, were released. Manipur Home Minister Govindas Kunthugam confirmed that more than 38 people belonging to both communities have been detained.
Ethnic clashes in Manipur first began between the Meitei and Kuki communities before encompassing almost all communities. The state’s Meite and Kuki Zou communities have isolated each other from areas they dominate since ethnic clashes began in May 2023 and left at least 260 people dead and 60,000 displaced.
The Metis people, most of whom are Hindu, live largely in the Imphal Valley. The Kuki family, most of whom are Christians, reside in the hills. The state government confirmed that there are no buffer zones dividing communities in the state, but it has identified some sensitive areas.
In February, a new government was formed, almost a year after the “presidential law” was imposed. It includes representatives of the three main communities as part of an attempt to maintain ethnic balance.
