Security forces launch operations in Manipur to rescue those who still in captivity of armed groups

Security forces have launched an operation in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district to rescue those still held hostage by armed groups, police said on Monday (May 18, 2026).

Area dominance exercises and search operations were also being conducted in different parts of the hill district to “rescue all the missing persons and arrest those responsible holding the hostages”, a senior official said.

Of approximately 38 people from the Kuki and Naga communities held hostage by armed groups in Kangpokpi and Senapati districts, 31 were released on 14 and 15 May.

They were taken to undisclosed locations after suspected militants shot dead three church leaders and injured four others in Kangpokpi on May 13, and after a civilian was shot and his wife was injured in the Noney district.

In the police statement, “In continuation of the operations to rescue the missing persons, security forces carried out scanning and search operations in the hills northwest of Leilon Vaiphei and Kharam Vaiphei villages in Kangpokpi district.”

Among those handed over to security forces were 12 Naga women from Konsakhul village in Kangpokpi and 4 men and 10 women from the Kuki community in Senapati district.

Police had previously said that “the majority of detained civilians belonging to different communities were safely released” as a result of the “joint efforts” of the administration, security forces, political leaders and non-governmental organisations.

Meanwhile, the United Naga Council, the apex body of Naga tribes in the state, has been holding inter-district blockades on national highway 2 and 37 from Sunday night and demanding the release of six Naga men suspected to be in the captivity of militants.

Kuki Inpi Manipur, the apex body of Kuki tribes in the state, also claimed that 14 people from the community were still missing and being held hostage by various groups in Senapati district.