Villagers of Taphou Kuki in Manipur’s Senapati district released two Naga youths from their custody following intervention by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Senapati Police, preventing a possible escalation amid heightened ethnic tensions.
The two youths, identified as PS Khopuh (39), a resident of Maram, and Joseph (44), from Taphou Phyamai, were apprehended by villagers on November 1 after allegedly crossing the Liangmai Taphou Check Post and driving towards Taphou Kuki along National Highway-2 at around 9 pm. They were reportedly under the influence of alcohol and driving at high speed.
Personnel from the CRPF’s F/152, F/36 and D/169 Battalions intervened, followed by representatives of Senapati Police. A joint negotiation was subsequently held at the residence of the Taphou Kuki village chief.
Following the discussions, the villagers agreed to release the two youths and their vehicle and hand them over to Senapati Police on humanitarian grounds.
The development comes amid heightened tensions following the alleged abduction and killing of two Kuki-Zo youths from Taphou Kuki village. The incident has triggered protests and a shutdown called by Kuki civil society organisations.
The peaceful handover, facilitated by security personnel and village leaders, helped avert a possible confrontation in the already tense district.
