The United Naga Council (UNC) has made a public statement that it will 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.
The statement issued by the Media Cell, Working Committee of UNC stated that “the United Naga Council had submitted an ultimatum to the Government of Manipur on May 14, 2026 for the immediate and safe release of 20 Naga hostages held by the Kuki militants groups at Leilon Vaiphei village and Sapermaina Kuki Village within 24 hours. On the morning of May 15, 2026 fourteen of the Naga hostages were released but leaving the fate of the remaining six which include 2 pastors. The State Government had requested for more time (upto 2.00 PM of May 16, 2026) to trace and release the remaining hostages. The deadline was again deferred twice to facilitate the government for successful completion of the search operations and eventual safe release of the hostages.
“However, even after these deferments, the 6 Naga innocent civilians are still being held hostage by the Kuki militants as reports have been received that the state machineries have not been able to trace and rescue them even after well past the deadlines.
“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” added the statement issued by the Media Cell Working Committee, UNC
