The United Naga Council (UNC) has written a letter to Y. Khemchand Singh, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Manipur, demanding immediate release of 20 Naga hostages held by the Kuki Groups at Leilon Vaiphei Kuki village and Supermeina within 24 hours.
The letter reads, “with due respect, the United Naga Council calls for your Government’s attention for immediate action on the grave situation arising out of Kuki militant groups taking hostage of 18 Naga civilians, including women and a 2 years old baby at Leilon Vaiphei Village and 2 Naga Priests at Supermeina village, both on 13th May, 2026 and under Supermeina police station. This has resulted in counter actions where members of Kuki have also been detained by Naga volunteers.
“The Council has not spared efforts in reaching out to the concerned community and the relevant authorities through all available channels for the safe and unconditional release of these hostages on both sides. Despite our sustained engagement, there has been no positive result till this moment. The lives and liberty of innocent civilians cannot be held hostage indefinitely and such grievous acts will inevitably spiral out of control if not contained at the earliest.
“Given the urgency of the matter, we have no option but to place before your Government the following ultimatum for the sake of peace and also as a much needed confidence building measure to assure the public of their security and safety in the deteriorating situation obtaining in the State:
“We demand that immediate measures should be initiated for the safe and unconditional release of all hostages by both sides within 6.00 pm. May 15, 2026.”
The Council at our end has exhausted all means and ways, and is left with no more space to diffuse the situation. But the State has the authority, machinery and the responsibility to deliver effectively on the above mentioned humanitarian condition. If the desired intervention is not taken up by the State Government, the State shall be solely accountable and responsible for any consequences arising out of its inaction.
“Your prompt and decisive action on this grave matter will be highly appreciated” stated the letter signed by NG. Lorho, President UNC and Vareiyo Shatsang, General Secretary, UNC.
The letter was also copied to Amit Shah Ji, Hon’ble Union Home Minister, GoI, Ajay Bhallah, Hon’ble Governor of Manipur and Ajit Lal, Advisor, MHA, Northeast for information and necessary action.
The United Naga Council also expressed that it is deeply grieved by the tragic demise of Mr. Wilson Thanga (55), S/o Late D. Waikan of Dolang Chiru Village, who was killed in the senseless ambush by suspected Kuki militants on the evening of 13th May 2026 between Joujangtek village and Longsai-1, Noney District.
The statement reads, “Mr. Wilson Thanga was returning from Dolang Chiru village when his life was cut short by an act of cowardly violence. His death is not merely the loss of a son of Dolang Chiru Village, but a wound inflicted on the collective conscience of the Naga people. The circumstances of his passing, an unarmed civilian ambushed on his way home, will be written in the annals of Naga history as a stark testament to the injustice our people endure. His name will stand as a solemn reminder that the Naga pursuit of peace, dignity, and security remains unfinished, and that the sacrifice of innocent lives demands both remembrance and resolve.
“We also hold in our prayers Mr. Olive Jatung and Mrs. Aroma Thanga, who sustained critical injuries in the same attack, and wish them a swift and complete recovery. We salute the extraordinary courage of Mr. Olive Jatung, whose presence of mind amidst grievous injury saved precious lives.
“In this hour of profound sorrow, the UNC shares the pain of the bereaved family, relatives, and the people of Dolang Chiru Village. We honour the memory of Late Wilson Thanga. May the Almighty grant eternal rest to the departed soul and give strength and solace to the bereaved family to bear this irreplaceable loss. The Naga people mourn with you, and history will not forget.”
