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Kukis boarding flights from Imphal a positive sign: Manipur CM
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Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh inaugurates the girls’ hostel at the Mission Blind School at Laiching Heikakpokpi in Tengnoupal district on June 19, 2026. Photo: Special Arrangement. Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh said on Friday (June 19, 2026) that members of the Kuki community have started travelling to Imphal to board flights, which was a positive sign for the conflict-scarred State.Since the ethnic conflict began on May 3, 2023, tribal Kuki-Zo and non-tribal Meiteis have avoided travelling to each other’s localities. While Meiteis dominate the Imphal Valley, where Manipur’s only airport is located, the Kuki-Zo people inhabit the surrounding hills.Speaking at an official event in the tribal-dominated Tengnoupal district, Mr. Singh said a united Manipur was the only way forward for the 36 communities inhabiting the State.“Manipur can progress only through unity, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence. Development is possible only when people rise above community divisions and work together with a shared identity,” he said.Drawing a comparison with the diverse yet peaceful Singapore, he appealed to the people to safeguard the ongoing peace process for the benefit of future generations. He urged all sections of society to resolve differences through dialogue, pointing out that the State’s economy had suffered due to the violence.Signs of normalityHe said signs of normality were emerging after more than three years of conflict. “Many Kukis have started travelling to Imphal to board flights, and many groups have met me to discuss peace,” he said.The Chief Minister did not name the groups, but a Kuki delegation comprising representatives of the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) and the Kuki Students’ Organisation reportedly called on him in Imphal two days ago.The KIM said it was not aware of such a meeting. On Friday (June 19), the Kukis organised a “State-wide rally” seeking the Centre’s intervention in Manipur’s situation. The participants demanded justice and security for the Kukis.In a memorandum addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the KIM alleged that Kukis continued to face “persecution, insecurity, targeted attacks, destruction of villages, and loss of innocent lives” in Manipur.The organisation said the continued delay in addressing these incidents deepened a sense of victimisation, insecurity, and abandonment among the Kukis.More than 270 people have died in the Kuki-Meitei and Kuki-Naga conflicts in Manipur since May 2023. At least 62,000 others have been displaced during this period. Published - June 19, 2026 09:24 pm IST
Women hold placards as they take part in a rally demanding the release of six missing persons allegedly held by an armed Kuki group, in Imphal East. File | 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 stormedThe 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. Published - June 01, 2026 09:54 pm IST
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