Guwahati, June 8 -- Reported by Bit Irom

Imphal: Hundreds of Kuki civilians, predominantly women, staged a sit-in protest and formed human chains in Taphou Kuki town in Manipur's Kangpokpi district on Monday, demanding the immediate and safe release of 14 Kuki civilians held in captivity.

The demonstration was organised by various Kuki civil society organisations under the aegis of the Kangpokpi Women Welfare Association and the Kangpokpi Town Committee. Protesters carried banners and placards calling for the release of the hostages and urging authorities to expedite efforts to resolve the crisis.

The protest comes amid a prolonged hostage standoff that has intensified tensions between Kuki and Naga communities in the hill districts of...