Guwahati, May 15 -- Kuki Inpi Manipur, the apex body of the Kuki tribes, has extended the ongoing total shutdown by an additional 48 hours from midnight of May 15, 2026, stating that 14 Kuki individuals continue to remain under "illegal detention and unlawful custody" despite the release of another 14 hostages.

In a statement issued on Friday, the organisation said it acknowledged the release of the 14 Kuki hostages following its "final ultimatum" issued on May 14. However, it alleged that another 14 Kuki civilians are still being held captive, prompting the decision to prolong the shutdown.

Kuki Inpi Manipur described the alleged abduction, illegal detention, and hostage-taking of civilians as "barbaric acts of terror" and "a direct as...