Emotional homecoming as 14 Kuki detainees return safely to Manipur's Kangpokpi

In an emotional homecoming that brought relief to families and the wider Kuki community, the 14 Kuki men who had been held hostage for 27 days, were safely released on Tuesday, June 9 and reunited with their families at the residence of the Chief of Taphou Kuki village in Kangpokpi district.

Scenes of joy and emotion unfolded as family members embraced their loved ones after nearly four weeks of uncertainty. Mothers, wives, children and relatives gathered to welcome the released men, while villagers offered prayers of thanksgiving for their safe return.

Prior to being handed over to their families, the released detainees underwent medical examinations conducted by personnel of the Assam Rifles and district health officials to assess their physical condition following their prolonged captivity.

The release brought an end to a humanitarian crisis that had generated widespread concern across the region and prompted sustained appeals from civil society organisations, church leaders, tribal bodies and political representatives.

On behalf of the affected families and the Kuki community, Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills president Thangminlen Kipgen expressed gratitude to all individuals, organisations and authorities involved in securing the safe release of the detainees.

Describing the development as a day of relief and thanksgiving, he acknowledged the efforts, interventions and goodwill that contributed to bringing the hostages home safely.

The successful resolution of the crisis drew responses from several Kuki organisations and leaders, who characterised the outcome as a significant humanitarian achievement and a testament to dialogue and collective responsibility.

Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen thanked Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the Chief Ministers of Nagaland and Meghalaya, security forces, Naga civil society organisations, the Baptist World Alliance and all stakeholders whose humanitarian interventions contributed to the detainees’ release. She stated that the outcome demonstrated the enduring importance of compassion, dialogue and collective action during difficult circumstances.

The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) also conveyed its appreciation to the Central and Manipur governments, the Director General of Police, Assam Rifles, the United Naga Council, the Naga Students’ Federation and various civil society organisations whose coordinated efforts helped secure the release. The organisation further acknowledged the role of Christian leaders from Nagaland and Manipur and called upon all communities to pursue peace and reconciliation.

The Kuki Organisation for Human Rights Trust (KOHUR) welcomed the development as a moment of relief for the affected families and the broader Kuki-Zo community. The organisation thanked government agencies, security personnel, civil administrators, tribal leaders, community organisations and mediators whose sustained efforts led to the unconditional release of the captives. It also reiterated the need for civilian protection and peaceful resolution of differences through dialogue and mutual respect.

The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) similarly expressed gratitude to the Government of India, the governments of Nagaland and Manipur, church leaders and other stakeholders whose interventions facilitated the release of the 14 Kuki-Zo civilians who had been held in Senapati for nearly a month.

The committee thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Manipur Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh for their roles in facilitating the hostages’ safe return. It also commended Manipur Deputy Chief Ministers Nemcha Kipgen and Loshi Dikho for their efforts in fostering dialogue and helping overcome barriers that had delayed progress in the matter.

Acknowledging the contribution of Christian institutions, CoTU extended special appreciation to Baptist churches across the Northeast for promoting forgiveness, reconciliation and peace amid heightened tensions.

The committee also highlighted the decision of the families of the three slain Kuki-Zo church leaders—Rev. Dr. V. Sitlhou, Rev. Kaiggoulen and Pastor Paoggoulen—to choose forgiveness and reconciliation despite their personal loss, describing the gesture as an important appeal for peace.

The statements from various organisations came hours after the release and reunion of the 14 hostages, an outcome widely viewed as a significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts to reduce tensions and promote reconciliation in the region.