All 21 Naga community civilians detained by Kuki villagers and armed individuals in Manipur’s Ukhrul district were freed following negotiations. The civilians, from the Tangkhul Naga community, were held at Shangkai while traveling on the Ukhrul-Imphal route. State officials and Civil Society Organisations leaders facilitated their release after talks.
Tension was high in Ukhrul district, particularly near Kuki-majority areas, with security operations in place. The Tangkhul Naga Long demanded the safe release of the detained civilians. The Tangkhul tribe is the largest Naga group in Manipur, spread across multiple districts.
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh expressed concern over the situation and urged for the safe release of the captives. Security forces, under senior police officials, conducted operations to rescue the captives. The government and village authorities called for immediate intervention to ensure safety and restore peace.
In February, clashes between Kuki and Tangkhul Naga communities led to house burnings in Litan Sareikhong. The government vowed to take action against perpetrators and ensure citizen safety. Efforts are ongoing to secure the release of all civilians and prevent further escalation.
