Taphou villagers protest, plead for safe return of 14 villagers held captive
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Our Correspondent
KANGPOKPI, May 25: In a display of anguish and hope, hundreds of villagers from Taphou Kuki village staged a peaceful protest demanding the immediate and unconditional safe release of 14 villagers held hostage in Senapati district for nearly two weeks.
Clad in white garments symbolising peace, grief and humanity, the villagers gathered in solemn silence as prayers echoed through the protest site for the safe return of their loved ones. Women, elderly villagers and children stood holding placards appealing for mercy and unconditional safe release of their loved ones.
The protest, marked by emotional prayers, reflected the growing pain and frustration of families who say they have been abandoned by the authorities despite the prolonged captivity of innocent civilians.
Hatpi Chongloi, a family member of one of the hostages, said fourteen innocent villagers from Taphou Kuki Village continue to remain in captivity in Senapati under deeply distressing circumstances.
She alleged that both the Kangpokpi and Senapati district administrations have failed to take meaningful responsibility or make visible efforts toward securing the safe release of the hostages even after nearly two weeks.
She said many of the hostages are enduring severe emotional, physical and financial hardships while in captivity. They further pointed out that several among them are the sole breadwinners of their families, leaving wives, children and elderly parents in a state of fear, uncertainty and economic distress.
“What crime have these innocent villagers committed to deserve such suffering? Their families are living in endless trauma. Every day without their return feels like another day of silent punishment for the entire village,” she said.
She also made a fervent appeal to both the Centre and the Manipur government to immediately intervene and ensure the unconditional and safe release of all 14 Kuki-Zo hostages.
She said that the villagers vowed to continue their peaceful agitation until all the hostages are safely reunited with their families.
KANGPOKPI, May 25: In a display of anguish and hope, hundreds of villagers from Taphou Kuki village staged a peaceful protest demanding the immediate and unconditional safe release of 14 villagers held hostage in Senapati district for nearly two weeks.
Clad in white garments symbolising peace, grief and humanity, the villagers gathered in solemn silence as prayers echoed through the protest site for the safe return of their loved ones. Women, elderly villagers and children stood holding placards appealing for mercy and unconditional safe release of their loved ones.
The protest, marked by emotional prayers, reflected the growing pain and frustration of families who say they have been abandoned by the authorities despite the prolonged captivity of innocent civilians.
Hatpi Chongloi, a family member of one of the hostages, said fourteen innocent villagers from Taphou Kuki Village continue to remain in captivity in Senapati under deeply distressing circumstances.
She alleged that both the Kangpokpi and Senapati district administrations have failed to take meaningful responsibility or make visible efforts toward securing the safe release of the hostages even after nearly two weeks.
She said many of the hostages are enduring severe emotional, physical and financial hardships while in captivity. They further pointed out that several among them are the sole breadwinners of their families, leaving wives, children and elderly parents in a state of fear, uncertainty and economic distress.
“What crime have these innocent villagers committed to deserve such suffering? Their families are living in endless trauma. Every day without their return feels like another day of silent punishment for the entire village,” she said.
She also made a fervent appeal to both the Centre and the Manipur government to immediately intervene and ensure the unconditional and safe release of all 14 Kuki-Zo hostages.
She said that the villagers vowed to continue their peaceful agitation until all the hostages are safely reunited with their families.