All 14 Kuki Detainees Released in Senapati After 27 Days; Say They Were Treated Well During Detention
Senapati, June 9: Fourteen Kuki individuals who had allegedly been in detention since May 13, 2026, were released and safely handed over at Senapati district headquarters on Tuesday in what local civil society organisations described as a humanitarian gesture.
The release took place at approximately 3:36 p.m., with the detainees being handed over by civil society organisations (CSOs) of Senapati district to the chief of Taphou Kuki village. The transfer was carried out peacefully and under the supervision of security and administrative authorities.
According to the CSOs, all 14 individuals were released in good health and without any reported injuries. The organisations stated that the detainees were handed over safely and in sound condition following nearly four weeks in custody.
The released individuals 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 process was witnessed by officials from the Senapati Police, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), Assam Rifles, and the district administration to ensure a secure and orderly transfer.
Speaking after the release, one of the detainees, Paotinkai Chongloi, stated that they had spent 27 days under the custody of Naga village guards. He said the group was treated well throughout the period of detention.
“We have been well treated,” he remarked, adding that they were provided with food, clothing, blankets, and other basic necessities during their stay.
The release of the 14 detainees is being viewed as a positive humanitarian development amid the ongoing challenges and tensions affecting parts of Manipur. Local leaders and community representatives expressed hope that such gestures would contribute to confidence-building and peaceful coexistence among communities in the region.
Authorities have not issued further details regarding the circumstances that led to their detention. However, the successful handover was completed without any reported incident.
