The Joint Tribes Council (JTC)-Manipur has announced an indefinite total emergency shutdown across the Zeliangrong-inhabited regions covering Inpui, Liangmai, Rongmei and Zeme areas, demanding the safe return of six allegedly abducted Naga civilians.

In a statement issued on Monday, the organisation said the shutdown was imposed with immediate effect following the decision of the Government of Manipur and the United Naga Council (UNC) regarding the reported release of 14 Kuki refugees, even as the whereabouts and condition of the six missing Naga civilians remain unknown.

According to the JTC-Manipur, the six civilians were allegedly abducted on May 13, 2026, by refugees from Leilon Veiphei Kuki village in collusion with “illegal Kuki militants.” The organisation claimed that despite the case entering its third week, authorities have failed to trace or secure the release of the abducted individuals.

The council termed the decision to facilitate the release of the 14 Kuki refugees without confirmation about the safety of the six Naga civilians as a “gross betrayal of justice” and a threat to the security of Naga people.

As part of the emergency shutdown, all business activities along National Highways in the region have been suspended.

Educational institutions, government and private offices, and banking services will remain closed, while public transport, taxis and private vehicles have also been barred from operating. The organisation further stated that public gatherings and movement of people would remain prohibited until further notice.

The JTC-Manipur has placed several demands before the authorities, including the immediate tracing and unconditional release of the six abducted civilians, detention of the 14 Kuki refugees until the Naga civilians are safely returned, and a thorough investigation into the alleged nexus between refugees from Leilon Veiphei village and militant groups.

The organisation also sought accountability from the Manipur Government, alleging that the administration prioritised the release of refugees over the safety of the abducted civilians.

Appealing for public cooperation, the JTC-Manipur urged residents across the affected areas to strictly observe the shutdown in order to pressurise the authorities into taking immediate action for the safe return of the missing civilians.