Families slam Kangpokpi and Senapati officials for “inhuman silence” while students, breadwinners remain captive since May 13 abduction near NH-2
By: Lulun Haokip
Kukiland Express Desk
Songpi, May 29, 2026
Taphou Kuki Village in Kangpokpi district has become the epicenter of grief and defiance as hundreds of residents continue a round-the-clock sit-in protest demanding the release of 14 villagers held hostage in Senapati since May 13.
For over two weeks, families have camped at the protest site with children, elders, and youth vowing not to disperse until all captives return home unconditionally. The mood is one of raw anguish mixed with resolve, as villagers accuse district authorities of abandoning them to a humanitarian crisis.
Family members say the 25 villagers were abducted on May 13 while returning from work near the Senapati–Kangpokpi border on National Highway-2. The incident allegedly occurred in the presence of Senapati Police and central forces. While 11 were later freed, 14 remain in captivity — including three school students whose education now hangs in the balance.
“These 14 are the only ones earning for their families. Homes are collapsing. Children can’t study. Elderly parents are helpless. We wake up with hope and sleep with heartbreak,” said Ngahneikim Chongloi, whose relative is among the hostages.
Protesters allege a jurisdictional deadlock has worsened their ordeal. Taphou Kuki falls under Kangpokpi administration, while law and order in the area is overseen by Senapati. Families claim both districts have “completely avoided responsibility” since the abduction.
“The Kangpokpi administration has been nothing more than a silent spectator,” Chongloi told the gathering. “We are living in unbearable trauma every single day.”
The hostages’ families condemned any use of civilians as “bargaining tools” and urged that external conflicts not be dragged into an area that had remained peaceful across community lines.
“Human lives are not leverage for political agendas,” one family member said. “They are innocent students and workers. Release them on humanitarian grounds.”
The villagers have appealed directly to the Centre and State government for immediate intervention, warning that official silence has only deepened their suffering. They also called on “individuals, organizations, or associations” responsible to free the captives without conditions.
The sit-in protest, now in its second week, will continue indefinitely, villagers say. Taphou has transformed from a quiet border settlement into a symbol of collective resistance — united by pain, demanding justice, and the safe return of its people.
