Fourteen Kuki Hostages Freed in Manipur After Lengthy 27-Day Ordeal

In a significant development in Manipur, fourteen members of the Kuki community were released from captivity on Tuesday, following a tense 27-day ordeal. The release was facilitated by the United Naga Council alongside various Naga civil society organizations, as confirmed by Nagaland’s Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio. The handover took place around 3:36 PM at the district headquarters in Senapati, under the watchful eyes of state police, Assam Rifles, and other security personnel.

Ng Lohro, the president of the United Naga Council, expressed hope that the six Naga men still held by armed factions would soon be released as well. The situation in Manipur has been tense, especially after a shocking series of abductions that took place on May 13, involving over 38 individuals from both Kuki and Naga communities in the Kangpokpi and Senapati districts. These abductions were reportedly in response to violence that erupted after an attack on church leaders returning from a meeting in Churachandpur.

The tragic ambush resulted in the deaths of three church leaders and left several others injured. In a separate incident, a civilian was also killed in Noney district, further inflaming tensions in the region. Following the chaos, the Manipur Police managed to secure the release of 28 individuals within days, but the fate of the remaining hostages remained uncertain.

The initial plan to release the 14 Kuki persons on June 1 was thwarted by protests from certain Naga groups, reflecting the complexities and sensitivities surrounding the ongoing conflict in the region. The release on Tuesday marked a critical moment for reconciliation, albeit temporary, as the community grapples with the aftermath of violence and abduction.

As Manipur continues to seek healing and stability, the hope is that the release of these hostages can pave the way for broader discussions aimed at ensuring peace and harmony among the diverse communities in the state.

Source: scroll.in