Desk Correspondent , Imphal — Manipur’s newly formed BJP-led government is facing its first major test as Deputy Chief Ministers Losii Diko and Nemcha Kipgen lead tense negotiations to secure the release of 20 hostages captive amid escalating Naga-Kuki clashes. Working alongside church leaders, civil society organizations, and security forces, the two leaders—representing the Naga and Kuki-Zo communities respectively—are attempting to defuse a crisis triggered by the recent killing of three Kuki-Zo church leaders. While 28 abducted individuals were successfully freed through previous exchanges, 14 Kuki-Zo and six Naga civilians remain captive in opposing districts.

The standoff intensified after village defense volunteers from both sides launched retaliatory abductions across ethnic lines, prompting security forces to launch extensive combing operations on Saturday in the Kangpokpi district. Deputy CM Diko confirmed that the 14 Kuki-Zo captives held in the Naga-dominated Senapati area are currently safe, noting that negotiators are actively working to convince community leaders that abductions will not solve the deeper crisis. Concurrently, Kipgen is engaging with Kuki-Zo volunteers to ensure the safe return of the six Nagas held in Kangpokpi, drawing on historical peace strategies from the 1990s ethnic conflict.

State Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam has urged the public to ignore rumors to prevent further breakdown of law and order, emphasizing the critical role of inter-faith and community mediation. The administration, which was established earlier this year to restore stability after nearly twelve months of President’s Rule, is structured specifically to maintain ethnic balance. Led by Meitei Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand alongside his Naga and Kuki deputies, the coalition now faces immense pressure to resolve the tribal deadlock without further loss of life.