Imphal, May 17: Families of 14 detained Kuki-Zo villagers in Manipur have appealed for the immediate release of their relatives, maintaining that those in custody are innocent civilians with no links to violence or armed activities in the region.
The appeal was issued by family members of 13 residents from Taphou Kuki village and one resident from Hengbung village, who have reportedly remained in custody since May 13.
In a signed public statement, the families said they were speaking “not with the language of politics, conflict or adversaries, but with the raw, heartfelt cry of mothers, fathers, wives and children.”
The families asserted that the detained individuals had no involvement in activism or the ongoing ethnic conflict and urged authorities to ensure their safe return at the earliest.
“Many may be suffering from failing health, psychological trauma, and severe distress,” the statement said, adding that every passing hour was causing “profound, agonising torment” for their families.
The appeal also highlighted the long-standing relationship between Taphou Kuki, Hengbung and Naga communities in Senapati district, stating that the villages had shared “a beautiful, unbroken history of peace, mutual respect and brotherhood” over generations.
According to the families, the detainees were “not activists or combatants” and had “absolutely nothing to do with the wider conflict or political storms surrounding us.”
Calling for understanding and humanitarian consideration, the signatories said they were appealing “with folded hands” for the release of their relatives and expressed hope for the restoration of peace and normalcy in the region.
The statement comes amid continuing ethnic tensions in Manipur and growing demands from various tribal and civil society organisations seeking the release of Kuki-Zo civilians allegedly detained during ongoing security operations.
