Fourteen Kuki individuals who had been held hostage since May 13, 2026, finally returned home after being released in good health at the Senapati District Headquarters on June 9 at around 3:30 p.m. The release was facilitated by the United Naga Council (UNC), the apex Naga body in Manipur, and other civil society organisations.
The 14 individuals were formally handed over by the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) of Senapati District to the village chief of Taphou Kuki village in a peaceful and coordinated transfer.
The release comes after weeks of negotiations involving community leaders, civil society organisations, and government authorities following the hostage-taking incident that occurred in the aftermath of the killing of three Kuki-Zo community leaders and one Naga individual in Kangpokpi district on May 13. Since the incident, the whereabouts of the hostages had remained unknown, leading to widespread fears and suspicions that they may have been killed.
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The individuals released were identified as Thangtinlen Chongloi, Paotinkai Chongloi, Lunsei Chongloi, Kaimang Chongloi, Hengunsei Chongloi, Luntinlal Chongloi, Tonggoulen Chongloi, Sehginlun Chongloi, Sehminhao Chongloi, Paogoulhang Chongloi, Haominlun Kipgen, Lamgoulen Kipgen, Thanglemang Chongloi, and Thangminlen Chongloi.
The handover was witnessed by personnel from Senapati Police, the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), Assam Rifles, and officials of the Senapati district administration.
Speaking after their release, one of the former hostages said they had remained under the custody of members of the Naga community for about 27 days. He stated that throughout their captivity, they were not mistreated and were provided with adequate food, clothing, blankets, and other essential necessities.
“We were treated well and did not face any form of abuse,” he said, adding that they received proper care during the entire period of their detention.
The safe return of the 14 individuals has brought relief to their families and communities and is being viewed as a positive step toward easing tensions and promoting peace in the region.
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