Amnesty International calls for the immediate and unconditional release of civilians being held hostage by armed groups in Manipur, warning that their continued captivity reflects a deepening human rights crisis amid the authorities’ ongoing failure to protect people from escalating ethnic violence in the state.
Twenty people have been taken hostage by armed groups from the Kuki and Naga communities in Manipur following escalating inter-ethnic tensions and a worsening security crisis across the state’s hill districts. In recent weeks, the conflict between the Kuki and Meitei communities has expanded to involve a third ethnic group, the Nagas. The latest hostage taking cases mark the most serious escalation of violence since May 2023, when clashes between the Kuki and Meitei communities left hundreds dead.
“The armed vigilante groups responsible for these abductions must immediately release all hostages and provide information on the fate and whereabouts of those still missing. Civilians must never be targeted, abducted, or used as leverage in ethnic or political disputes. Families have the right to know where their loved ones are and to communicate with them without delay,” said Aakar Patel, Chair of Board, Amnesty International India.
Civilians must never be targeted, abducted, or used as leverage in ethnic or political disputes
Aakar Patel, Chair of Board, Amnesty International India
“Authorities in Manipur must take urgent and effective measures to secure the safe release of all those held, guarantee their protection, and conduct prompt, independent and impartial investigations into all reported abductions and related abuses.”
Hostage-taking and the abduction of civilians are prohibited by international law and may amount to crimes under international law. The continued abduction of civilians and the recurrence of ethnic violence underscore the failure of authorities in Manipur to establish security, uphold the rule of law, ensure justice, truth and reparation, and protect human rights.
“The Manipur government must move beyond reactive measures and take urgent, concrete steps to protect civilians, ensure justice, truth and reparation for crimes and abuses committed by all sides, and address the underlying drivers of the conflict,” said Aakar Patel.
Background
Kuki and Naga groups have clashed in Manipur’s hill regions amid disputes over residency rights and territorial control since February 2026. On 13 May, more than 48 people were abducted and taken hostage by armed groups from the Kuki and Naga communities in Kangpokpi and Senapati districts following an ambush that killed three church leaders who had recently led a delegation of Kuki Christian leaders to the adjoining Nagaland to broker peace between the Kukis and the Nagas.
Since then, 12 Naga and 16 Kuki hostages have been released. However, six Naga remain in the captivity of armed groups from the Kuki community, and their whereabouts are unknown. Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the apex body representing Kuki tribes in the state, has stated that 14 members of the Kuki community who were abducted on 13 May continue to be held hostage by Naga groups.
On 1 June, the United Naga Council (UNC), the apex civic and political organization representing Naga tribes in Manipur, withdrew its proposal to release 14 Kuki hostages unless the six Naga civilians being held by Kuki groups were first freed. In a statement, the UNC said the planned release had been “cancelled”, citing the “prevailing sentiment of the Naga public”.
Travel along the national highway also remains disrupted as both Kuki and Naga groups continue to enforce economic blockades following the abductions after the 13 May ambush.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led central government and the Manipur state government have failed to end the violence, prevent displacement, and protect human rights in the state. Since 3 May 2023, at least 200 people have been killed and more than 60,000 displaced. Homes, businesses, villages, and places of worship have been burned, attacked, looted, and vandalized.
In a tacit acknowledgment of the state government’s inability to restore order, the Government of India imposed President’s Rule in 2025. The measure was revoked in February this year, and Yumnam Khemchand Singh assumed office as Chief Minister of Manipur on 4 February 2026. Yet the change in leadership brought little relief, with violence and insecurity continuing under the new administration.