Imphal, May 17 (NNN): With the expiry of the May 17 deadline for the safe release of six remaining Naga hostages, the United Naga Council (UNC) on Sunday evening announced the launch of an “inter-district economic blockade” along national highways in Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur with immediate effect.
The blockade will continue until the safe rescue and release of the hostages, the UNC stated.
According to the UNC, an ultimatum had been submitted to the Government of Manipur on May 14, demanding the immediate and safe release of 20 Naga within 24 hours.
The council said that 14 of the hostages were released on the morning of May 15, while six others, including two pastors, remain in captivity.
“The State Government had requested for more time (up to 2 pm of May 16, 2026) to trace and release the remaining hostages,” the UNC stated. It added that the deadline was later extended again to facilitate search operations and efforts for the safe release of the remaining captives.
However, the UNC alleged that despite the extensions, the six “innocent Naga civilians” were still being held hostage and that state authorities had not been able to trace or rescue them even after the expiry of the deadlines.
“Given the situation, we are constrained to launch an inter-district economic blockade along the national highways in the Naga areas in Manipur with immediate effect until the safe rescue and release of the Naga hostages are duly carried out,” the UNC stated.
