Fourteen Kuki civilians, held hostage for 27 days, were released unconditionally on Tuesday. However, the whereabouts of six Naga men abducted during the same cycle of violence remain unknown.
The release follows weeks of negotiations involving church bodies, civil society groups, and government authorities.
The hostages were handed over to the Taphou Kuki village chief in Kangpokpi district in the presence of police and district officials.
Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio welcomed the move, saying it would help restore trust and contribute to lasting peace in Manipur.
However, relief for Kuki families has been matched by growing anxiety among families of the six missing Naga men, whose whereabouts remain unknown.
