Manipur: 31 Hostages From Naga and Kuki Communities Released
The civilians were abducted by Naga and Kuki groups in Senapati and Kangpokpi following the killing of three Thadou church leaders in the Kangpokpi district on May 13
Guwahati: After the intervention of security forces in coordination with civil society groups at least 28 hostages, 14 each from Naga and Kuki communities, were released in Kangpokpi and Senapati districts of Manipur on Friday. Three individuals from the Kuki community, including an 18-year-old woman and a 40-year-old man, were separately handed over to security forces on Thursday evening.
The release was facilitated by the United Naga Council (UNC), civil society organisations (CSOs), and security forces.
The civilians were abducted by Naga and Kuki groups in Senapati and Kangpokpi following the killing of three Thadou church leaders in the Kangpokpi district on May 13.
Security sources said that 14 Naga hostages, including 11 women and one child from Konsakhul Naga village, were released at Makhan village. Two Catholic Salesian brothers of Don Bosco, including one from Nagaland, were also freed at a separate location by the Kuki group. However, the whereabouts of six Naga men who remain in captivity are still unknown, police said.
One of the released Naga women recounted that immediately after being taken hostage, they were blindfolded and had their hands tied behind their backs. “We were taken to various mountainous locations, blindfolded and with our hands tied. However, we were not physically assaulted,” she said.
In exchange, the Naga group also released 14 individuals from the Kuki community, including four men and 10 women, who were safely handed over to security forces.
So far, a total of 31 captives have been released.
However, the whereabouts of six male detainees reportedly held at Leilon Vaiphei village was not known. Security sources indicated that these individuals might still be in custody, though no official confirmation has been provided.
The deaths of the church leaders in an ambush that triggered the abduction of villagers have sent shockwaves across the hill districts, with civil society organisations, church bodies and student groups strongly condemning the incident.
