Release of 14 abducted Kukis ‘cancelled’ after protests in Manipur

Key points

• The scheduled release of 14 Kuki civilians in Manipur was “cancelled” on Monday (June 1, 2026) following protests by a section of Nagas.
• An organisation identified as Naga Village Guard-Northern Command has been holding the 14 Kukis captives since three church leaders were killed in an ambush in the State’s Kangpokpi district on May 13. Three of those being held are reportedly minor students.
• According to an announcement by the United Naga Council (UNC) on Monday (June 1, 2026) morning, the organisation was to release the hostages at 2 p.m. in response to the government’s assurance that six abducted Nagas would be traced and action would be taken against their abductors.
• The UNC is the apex body of Nagas in Manipur.
• However, the UNC stated in the evening that the proposed release “stands cancelled” considering the “prevailing sentiments of the Naga public”.