The Kuki Inpi Bungpi Block has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of three village volunteers apprehended by a joint team of Manipur Police, the CRPF and the CoBRA unit at S Phailengkot on October 20, rejecting what it described as a misleading attempt by the state police to link them to the Nongshum incident.
In a statement issued on October 21, the Kuki organisation strongly condemned the police’s position and came to the defence of one of the detained men, Seilal Haokip, portraying him as a civil society leader who had worked to maintain peace and facilitate reconciliation between security forces and the public. According to the organisation, Haokip played a significant role in the rehabilitation and resettlement of the Chingdai Area Grouping Centre, carrying out the work with permission from the Kangpokpi deputy commissioner.
The body said it was unfortunate that someone who had contributed to peacebuilding was now being connected to the incident. It further claimed that Haokip sustained an ear injury during his apprehension and is currently undergoing treatment, and it demanded that the government bear the full cost of his medical care.
Beyond the call for release, the Kuki Inpi urged that Haokip and the two other detained volunteers be shifted immediately to Churachandpur Police Station on medical and security grounds. It argued that, given the ongoing conflict among Manipur’s three major communities, the men’s safety could be at risk in their current location.
The organisation also placed a set of additional demands before the government. It called for the deployment of one battalion of central security forces in its area under the supervision of the Kangpokpi superintendent of police, saying such a presence was necessary to ensure security and allow residents to resume agricultural activities without fear.
It further sought the establishment of a grouping centre in the area, along with relief, rehabilitation and resettlement assistance for villagers who had abandoned their homes owing to fear and insecurity.
The statement comes amid continuing tensions in Manipur, where competing claims over security incidents and the safety of civilians remain a major concern for communities and authorities alike.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/manipur/story/manipur-kuki-inpi-demands-release-of-three-apprehended-village-volunteers-1465707-2026-10-21?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2026-10-21 21:10:00
