28 Naga, Kuki civilians released in Manipur; slain church leaders buried

📌 Summary:

• Two days after the killing of three church leaders, 28 Kuki and Naga civilians held captive in Manipur were released on May 15, 2026 — 14 from each community
• Release followed appeals from Manipur's political leaders, church bodies and community-based organisations; the gesture signals an easing of inter-tribal tension
• At least 10 (Deputy CM Losii Dikho says 16) others remain hostage; State communiqué cited 28 released while unofficial figure is 31
• Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF), a Kuki-Zo organisation, said security forces proposed a one-for-one hostage exchange, which was initially rejected (28 Kukis held by Nagas vs. 14 Nagas held by Kukis)
• Underlying issue: Manipur has been wracked by Meitei-Kuki ethnic violence since May 2023; recent killing of church leaders inflamed Kuki-Naga relations in tribal hill areas

🎯 UPSC Relevance: GS3 — Internal Security; ethnic conflicts in the Northeast; role of civil society and security forces in conflict resolution; GS1 — Indian Society / Tribal issues

📝 Prelims Facts:

• Manipur Dy CM (date of report): Losii Dikho
• ITLF = Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (Kuki-Zo organisation)
• Manipur Meitei-Kuki violence began May 2023 after Manipur High Court ordered consideration of ST status for Meiteis
• Article 371C — Special provisions for Manipur (Hill Areas Committee)

🔑 Key Term: Hill Areas Committee — A committee of MLAs from the hill areas of Manipur, constituted under Article 371C, with special powers over laws affecting the hill regions.