Amnesty International called for immediate and unconditional action on Thursday release of civilians held by armed groups in India’s Manipur state, as negotiations over the fate of the remaining prisoners appear to have stalled amid ongoing ethnic tensions.
The human rights organization emphasized that within the framework of international law Hostage taking and the Kidnapping of civilians are prohibited and may constitute a crime under international law.
The call comes weeks after armed groups from the communities of Kuki and Naga allegedly abducted more than 48 civilians in Kangpokpi and Senapati districts of Manipur after an ambush in which three church leaders were killed. The church leaders had recently been involved in efforts to facilitate dialogue between Kuki and Naga groups in neighboring Nagaland.
While 12 Naga and 16 Kuki prisoners have now been released, local organizations report report that several civilians remain captive. Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the apex organization of the Kuki tribes in the state, said 14 Kuki civilians continue to be held by Naga groups. The pThe possibility of a wider release seemed to diminish in June as that United Naga Council (UNC), a representative body of the Naga tribes in Manipur, withdrew a proposal to release the remaining Kuki prisoners. The organization said the planned release had taken place cancelled due to the “prevailing sentiment of the Naga public” and claimed that six Naga civilians allegedly held by Kuki groups must first be released.
The President of the National People’s Party (NPP), Conrad K. Sangma, has urged Both organizations demand the immediate and unconditional release of all detained civilians. Sangma explained that the release of the remaining prisoners could be an important step towards reconciliation and lasting peace in the conflict-affected state.
Amnesty International and other human rights organizations have criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led central government and Manipur state authorities for this fail too appropriate Protect civilians and prevent further violence. The group warned that the continued detention of civilians by armed groups underscored broader security concerns in Manipur, where ethnic tensions have been rising recurring violence and postponement since then 2023.
The conflict has reportedly displaced more than 60,000 residents and claimed at least 200 lives Rights groups And Government figures. Homes, businesses, villages and places of worship have been damaged or destroyed during successive waves of violence.
The violence has subsided criticism from domestic and international human rights groups who have repeatedly called on authorities to restore security and ensure accountability for abuses committed during the conflict. In February 2025, the Indian government imposed a ban Presidential rule in Manipur after months of political instability and security concerns. The measure ended in February 2026, as Yumnam Khemchand Singh took over the office of Prime Minister. However, violence and insecurity continued in several parts of the state.
