Amnesty International on June 4 called for the immediate and unconditional release [7] of civilians being held by armed groups in India’s Manipur state as negotiations over the fate of remaining captives appear to have stalled amid continuing ethnic tensions.
The rights organization underscored that under international law, hostage-taking [10] and the abduction of civilians [11] are prohibited and may amount to crimes under international law.
The call comes weeks after armed groups from the Kuki and Naga communities reportedly [8] abducted more than 48 civilians in Manipur's Kangpokpi and Senapati districts following an ambush by unknown armed men that killed three church leaders. The church leaders had recently participated in efforts to facilitate dialogue between Kuki and Naga groups in neighboring Nagaland. Kuki leaders blamed the slayings on the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF), a Naga insurgent organization, sparking the inter-communal violence.
While 12 Naga and 16 Kuki captives have since been released, local organizations report [12] that several civilians remain in captivity. Kuki Inpi Manipur [13] (KIM), the apex body representing Kuki tribes in the state, stated that 14 Kuki civilians continue to be held by Naga groups. The possibility of a broader release appeared to diminish when the United Naga Council [14] (UNC), a representative body for Naga tribes in Manipur, withdrew a proposal to release the remaining Kuki captives. The organization said the planned release had been cancelled [15] due to the "prevailing sentiment of the Naga public," and maintained that six Naga civilians allegedly being held by Kuki groups must first be released.
Conrad K. Sangma, president of the National People’s Party (NPP) which forms a part of the ruling coalition in Manipur, has urged [16] both sides to ensure the immediate and unconditional release of all civilians being held. Sangma stated that the release of the remaining captives could serve as an important step toward reconciliation and lasting peace in the conflict-affected state.
Amnesty International and other human rights organizations have criticized [17] the Bharatiya Janata Party-led central government and Manipur state authorities for failing [18] to adequately protect civilians [19] and prevent further violence. The group warned that the continued detention of civilians by armed groups underscores broader security concerns in Manipur, where ethnic tensions have fueled recurring violence [20] and displacement since 2023 [21].
The conflict has displaced more than 60,000 residents and resulted in at least 200 deaths since it broke out in May 2023, according to rights groups [19] and government figures [20]. Homes, businesses, villages and places of worship have been damaged or destroyed during successive waves of violence.
The violence has drawn criticism [22] from both domestic and international rights groups, which have repeatedly urged [23]authorities to restore security and ensure accountability for abuses committed during the conflict. In February 2025, the government of India imposed an emergency state of “president’s rule [24]” in Manipur following months of political instability and security concerns. The measure ended [25] in February 2026, when Yumnam Khemchand Singh [26] assumed office as chief minister. However, incidents of violence and insecurity have continued in the state.
From JURIST [27], June 5. Used with permission.
See our last report on the struggle in Manipur [28].
