Manipur Hostage Crisis Further Escalates, Kuki-Zo Council Demands Separate UT

Manipur continues to witness rising ethnic tensions as shutdowns and economic blockades disrupt daily life across several hill districts amid an ongoing hostage crisis involving Kuki and Naga communities. The United Naga Council has launched an indefinite blockade over the failure to rescue six remaining Naga hostages, while Kuki groups have extended their shutdown demanding urgent intervention and a separate administration. Church leaders have stepped in to broker peace as police continue rescue operations. The latest crisis comes amid continuing ethnic unrest in the state since the 2023 clashes that left hundreds dead and thousands displaced.