Manipur deputy chief ministers key negotiators in abduction crisis
Manipur's deputy chief ministers, Losii Diko and Nemcha Kipgen, are leading efforts to resolve a hostage crisis stemming from renewed clashes between Naga and Kuki-Zo communities. They are working with church leaders, civil society, and security forces to secure the release of 20 abducted individuals. The crisis has tested the state's newly formed BJP-led government, which is striving to maintain ethnic balance amid rising tensions.
- ▪Losii Diko represents the Naga community and Nemcha Kipgen represents the Kuki-Zo community in Manipur's government.
- ▪At least 20 people remain abducted, with 14 from the Kuki-Zo community and six from the Naga community still in captivity.
- ▪Three Kuki-Zo church leaders were killed in an ambush, which intensified the conflict and led to retaliatory abductions.
- ▪Security forces have launched combing operations in Kangpokpi district to locate the abducted Nagas.
- ▪The Manipur government, formed after a year of President’s Rule, includes leaders from the Meitei, Naga, and Kuki-Zo communities to ensure ethnic representation.
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Manipur deputy chief ministers key negotiators in abduction crisisThe two leaders are engaging with their respective communities to secure the safe return of at least 20 abducted people, officials said.Published on: May 17, 2026 11:07 AM ISTBy Prawesh Lama, New DelhiShare viaCopy link Manipur’s two deputy chief ministers, Losii Diko and Nemcha Kipgen, who represent the Naga and Kuki-Zo communities respectively, have emerged as key negotiators in the ongoing hostage crisis triggered by escalating Naga-Kuki clashes in the northeastern state, officials aware of the matter said on Saturday.Amid escalating tensions and the killing of three Kuki-Zo church leaders on WednesdayWorking alongside church leaders, civil society organisations, the Indian Army, police and central intelligence agencies,…
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