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”.

UNC office stormed

The release was called off after Naga protestors stormed the UNC office in Senapati. The protestors were against the release of the 14 Kukis unless the six Nagas, allegedly held hostage by Kuki extremists, were released simultaneously.

The killing of the three church leaders triggered the hostage crisis between the Kukis and Nagas. On May 15 in line with a hostage deal, 14 Kukis and an equal number of Nagas were released.

The UNC’s announcement more or less confirms that the 14 Kuki captives are unharmed. The status of the six Naga hostages remains unknown.

Last week, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh said that the case relating to the killing of the church leaders and the abduction of the six Nagas would be handed over to the National Investigation Agency.