SENAPATI: Fourteen Kuki individuals who had allegedly been held since May 13, 2026, were released on humanitarian grounds and handed over at Senapati district headquarters on Tuesday at around 3:36 p.m.
The 14 individuals were handed over by civil society organisations (CSOs) of Senapati district to the chief of Taphou Kuki village as a safe and peaceful transfer. The CSOs stated that all detainees were released “in good, safe and sound condition.”
Those 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 conducted in the presence of Senapati Police, personnel from the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), Assam Rifles, and officials of the district administration.
Speaking to Ukhrul Times after their release, one of the former detainees, Paotinkai Chongloi, said they had spent 27 days under the custody of Naga village guards.
“We have been well treated,” he said, adding that they were provided with “the best food available in the area,” along with clothing, blankets and other essential items during their detention.
According to Paotinkai, the detainees were given two meals a day along with tea and did not face physical hardship during their captivity.
“We have learned a great thing from our Naga brothers. They have been extraordinary, special and unique,” he said.
Appealing to members of his own community, Paotinkai said the kindness shown during their detention should serve as an example for all communities amid the ongoing tensions in the state.
“We have been released unconditionally and on humanitarian grounds,” he added.
The release brings an end to a nearly month-long episode that had drawn concern from various quarters and is expected to contribute to ongoing efforts aimed at reducing tensions and fostering dialogue between communities.