Imphal, May 28: Families of 14 abducted villagers from Taphou Kuki Village in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district have intensified their ongoing sit-in protest, demanding immediate intervention from both the Centre and the State government to secure the safe and unconditional release of their relatives who have remained captive since May 13.
The protest, which has continued for several consecutive days, has drawn large participation from villagers, including women, elderly residents and children. Protesters said the agitation would continue indefinitely until all the hostages are released safely.
An atmosphere of grief and growing frustration prevailed at the protest site as family members accused the authorities of failing to respond adequately to the prolonged crisis. Villagers alleged that both the Kangpokpi and Senapati district administrations had avoided responsibility due to jurisdictional complications surrounding the area where the abduction reportedly took place.
Addressing the gathering, family members stated that although Taphou Kuki Village falls under Kangpokpi district, law and order in the area is handled by the Senapati district administration. According to the protesters, this administrative division has led to delays and a lack of accountability in addressing the matter.
Family member Ngahneikim Chongloi alleged that the Kangpokpi district administration had remained largely inactive despite repeated appeals from affected families and community organisations since the incident occurred on May 13.
According to villagers, 25 residents of Taphou Kuki Village were abducted while returning home after work near the Senapati–Kangpokpi border along National Highway-2. The villagers alleged that the incident took place in the presence of Senapati Police personnel and central security forces deployed in the area.
While some of the abducted individuals were later released, 14 villagers, including three students, continue to remain in captivity.
Family members said the prolonged absence of the hostages has pushed several households into severe emotional, psychological and financial distress, noting that many of those still missing are the sole earning members of their families.
Speaking during the protest, Chongloi condemned those allegedly involved in the abduction and appealed against bringing external conflicts into an area that had remained peaceful despite inter-community differences. She urged those responsible to release the remaining hostages on humanitarian grounds.
Another relative of one of the abducted villagers described the emotional trauma faced by the families over the past several weeks and said daily life had become increasingly difficult amid uncertainty over the fate of their loved ones.
She also pointed out that three students remain among the hostages and said their education has been severely disrupted due to the prolonged captivity.
The protesters reiterated that the sit-in agitation would continue until all 14 hostages are released “safe and sound”, maintaining that the movement represents a collective demand for justice, humanitarian intervention and the safe return of the abducted civilians.
