The three were apprehended by a joint team comprising Manipur Police, the CRPF and the CoBRA unit. The Kuki body condemned the police statement and defended one of the detained individuals.
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The Kuki Inpi Bungpi Block has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of three village volunteers apprehended by a joint security team in S Phailengkot, Manipur, on October 20. In a statement issued on Wednesday, October 21, the organisation rejected the state police's alleged attempt to link the three individuals to the Nongshum incident and questioned the basis of the allegations.
The three were apprehended by a joint team comprising Manipur Police, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the CoBRA unit. The Kuki body condemned the police statement and defended one of the detained individuals, Seilal Haokip, describing him as a civil society leader who had worked to promote peace and reconciliation between security forces and the public.
According to the report, Haokip played a significant role in the rehabilitation and resettlement of the Chingdai Area Grouping Centre, with permission from the Kangpokpi deputy commissioner.
The Kuki Inpi said it was unfortunate that a person who had allegedly contributed to peacebuilding was being linked to the Nongshum incident. It also claimed that Haokip sustained an ear injury during his apprehension and was currently undergoing treatment.
The organisation demanded that the state government bear the full cost of his medical treatment. It further called for Haokip and the other two apprehended individuals to be transferred immediately to Churachandpur Police Station, citing medical and security concerns.
The body argued that the ongoing conflict among Manipur's three major communities could pose a risk to the safety of the three individuals.
Beyond seeking the release of the three village volunteers, the Kuki Inpi Bungpi Block placed several demands before the government, citing concerns over the safety of residents in the area.
It called for the deployment of one battalion of central security forces in its area under the supervision of the Kangpokpi superintendent of police. According to the report, the deployment would help restore a sense of security and enable residents to resume agricultural activities without fear.
The Kuki body also sought the establishment of a grouping centre and assistance for the relief, rehabilitation and resettlement of villagers who had left their homes due to fear and insecurity.
The statement comes amid continuing tensions in Manipur, where security concerns, displacement and competing claims surrounding incidents involving civilians remain significant issues. The Kuki organisation has maintained that the three apprehended individuals should be released and that steps must be taken to ensure their safety.