India, May 22 -- An apex body of Manipur's Kuki-Zo communities on Friday appealed for the handover of all captives, whether dead or alive, amid a hostage crisis and escalating Naga-Kuki tensions, the latest in a series of crises in the northeastern state, where ethnic violence has continued sporadically since May 2023.

In a statement, the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) urged armed groups and individuals to refrain from further violence. It called on the government and security forces to act impartially to ensure the safety and security of the civilians.

The statement was issued a day after a meeting in Churachandpur, where leaders of tribes, chiefs' associations, church forums, philanthropic groups, and lawmakers resolved to work towards peace, ...