Kuki Inpi Manipur Extends Shutdown Amid Hostage Crisis

Imphal: The Kuki Inpi Manipur, which serves as the primary representative body for Kuki tribes, has extended its ongoing shutdown for another 48 hours. The extension began at midnight on May 21 as a direct response to the reported detention of Kuki-Zo individuals in the Ireng Naga and Senapati regions.

Officials from the organization stated that their main priority is the unconditional and immediate release of these individuals. They emphasized that the Kuki-Zo community has maintained restraint and worked toward communal harmony despite the tensions that have persisted since May 13.

As part of these humanitarian efforts, the organization provided safe passage to more than 200 Naga individuals. They also pointed to the release of the president of the Maram Students Union as evidence of their commitment to de-escalation. The group is now calling for a similar gesture from other parties to resolve the hostage situation and restore order in the region.