Families allege official inaction as two-week hostage crisis leaves breadwinners missing, children and elderly in distress
Edited by: St. Ginth Haokip, Kukiland Express Desk
Kanggui: May 26, 2026
Hundreds of villagers from Taphou Kuki Village gathered in white on Sunday, holding an emotional prayer protest to demand the unconditional release of 14 residents allegedly held captive in Senapati district for nearly two weeks.
Dressed in white to symbolise peace, mourning, and humanity, women, children, and elders stood with placards calling for mercy. Prayers for the safe return of the missing villagers echoed through the protest site as families voiced growing frustration over what they described as government silence.
Hatpi Chongloi, whose family member is among the 14 captives, said each day without news has become unbearable. “We do not know what condition they are in. Our hearts are breaking,” she said. “There are fourteen innocent villagers of Taphou Kuki Village still being held captive in Senapati.”
Families alleged that both Kangpokpi and Senapati district administrations have failed to take visible steps to secure the release of the detainees. Several of those held are sole breadwinners, leaving wives, children, and elderly parents facing severe emotional and financial hardship, villagers said.
“What crime have these innocent villagers committed to deserve such suffering? Their families are living in endless trauma,” Hatpi Chongloi added. “Every day without their return feels like another day of silent punishment for the entire village.”
The villagers appealed directly to the Centre and the Manipur government to intervene immediately and ensure the unconditional and safe release of all 14 captives. “These are innocent civilians. They must be released safely and without any condition,” Hatpi said.
Protesters vowed to continue their peaceful agitation until the hostages return home. “Unless they are safely released, we will keep knocking on the doors of the Government. We will not stop pleading for the lives of our people,” she said.
The protest comes amid a prolonged shutdown in Kuki areas, with civil society groups linking the captivity of Taphou villagers to wider tensions in the state.
Video youtube:
https://youtu.be/ExAdHG_2chA?si=vvMlYbIfLfzVo6pE
