CoTU frees Meetei youths; 11 Kuki inmates released
Source: Chronicle News Service
Kangpokpi/Imphal, October 03 2024:
In a rare moment of compassion amidst the ethnic violence in Manipur, two detained Meetei youths were released by Kuki-Zo village volunteers with the intervention of Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) on "Kuki-Zo Remembrance Day" in Kangpokpi district.
The release marked a significant chapter in the 17-month long conflict between the Kuki-Zo and Meetei communities, with visuals of adversaries shaking hands and embracing, providing a glimmer of hope for peace.
The two youths, both from Thoubal district, were held captive since September 27 after they accidentally entered into Kuki-Zo dominated areas.
Their friend, who was with them, was released the same day following intervention by CoTU, but the other two were detained due to rising tensions.
Their release was the result of days of negotiations led by CoTU, which highlighted the failure of the state government under chief minister N Biren to address escalating tensions, stating that such failure prompted the Central government to intervene and broker a resolution.
The ongoing ethnic strife between the Kuki-Zo and Meetei communities has worsened, with rising violence and distrust.
The release of the two youths was not just an act of compassion by the Kuki-Zo village volunteers but the outcome of complex negotiations initiated by CoTU.
Despite initial success in securing the release of one of the detained youths, CoTU faced challenges in freeing the other two due to heightened security concerns and recent violent incidents.
The negotiations involved several rounds of discussions with the DGP, but progress was only made after the Central government stepped in.
During a critical meeting on October 2, the DGP, representing the Centre, agreed to demands from the Ku-ki-Zo village volunteers, including relocating Kuki-Zo inmates from Sajiwa Jail to safer areas and establishing a police station in the vulnerable region of Phailengmol.
"The inmates, who had been incarcerated for various offences, including drug-related charges, were recently granted bail by a local court," an official said, noting that their release had been delayed due to the prevailing situation in the state.
The official, however, asserted that their release from jail and the freeing of two Meetei youths earlier in the day were unrelated.
The two youths, held hostage by armed men in Kangpokpi district, were handed over to the district SP at Gamgiphai naka around 5 AM.
Escorted by police and the Assam Rifles, the two reached Imphal around 8 AM, officials confirmed.
However, Kangpokpi-based CoTU claimed that the release of the 11 inmates was a key demand in negotiations for freeing the youths.
A COTU representative said, "Our initial demands included the transfer of all Kuki-Zo inmates from Sajiwa Central Jail to Churachandpur and the setting up of a police station.
The youths were released today, and according to our agreements, the 11 inmates have now been received at the Church compound in Saparmeina".
Chief Minister N Biren Singh had previously acknowledged that there were demands from the abductors.
Speaking after the release, CoTU spokesperson Ng Lun Kipgen stressed that the event highlighted the Kuki-Zo community's commitment to humanitarian values, even amid conflict.
He noted that the visuals of Kuki-Zo and Meetei individuals embracing demonstrated that compassion can prevail despite deep divisions.
Lun Kipgen also criticised the valley-based media for misrepresenting the Kuki-Zo community, stating that their actions, such as ensuring the safe release of the detained youths, are often ignored or mischaracterised.
He expressed frustration that biased reporting has fuelled misunderstandings and deepened the divide between the Kuki-Zo and Meetei communities.
"Despite our consistent adherence to humanitarian principles, our community has been painted in a negative light by media outlets based in the valley.
These outlets often focus on the conflict through a biased lens, portraying us as aggressors rather than showing the truth about our efforts to protect vulnerable individuals," Lun Kipgen said.
Meanwhile, 11 Kuki-Zo inmates who had been granted bail a month ago but remained in custody due to security reason in their transportation were transferred from Sajiwa Jail to Kangpokpi district.
The 11 Kuki under-trial prisoners (UTPs) released on bail by the Courts concerned from Manipur Central Jail Sajiwa, were handed over to Kangpokpi district police around 2 am Thursday.
The inmates have been identified as Nehkhohao (28) s/o Laltinkhum of Valpakot, Churachandpur; Paominlen Singson (51) s/o Seikho Singson of Ward No 3 Kangpokpi; Lamginhal Chongloi alias Amu (33) s/o (L) Paohen Chongloi of New Saikul, Kangpokpi; Tongminthang Haokip alias Thangboi alias Chingsang (32) s/o (L) Hemkhomang Haokip of Kotlen village, Kangpokpi; Mangkhup Haokip (36) s/o (L) Pumkhongjam Haokip of Toitung village, Molcham, Chandel; Seiminlen Haokip (26) s/o (L) Seikhomang Haokip of Moreh Ward No 7, Tengnoupal; Thangjalun alias Thanga Haokip (25) s/o Douthang Haokip of Langol Housing Complex Type-111 Qtr-G/29, Lamphel, Imphal West; David Lunkhosei Haokip (33) s/o Thangkhopao Haokip of Tuilaphai village, Henglep, Churachandpur; Paulalmon Singson (24) s/o Thangkholal Singson of Hill Town (B), Churachandpur; Ginthiansiam (30) s/o (L) Haudouthang of Canaan Veng New Lamka, Churachandpur; and Holkhomang Haokip (35) s/o (L) Thangkhongam Haokip of G Gelbung Gamnom, Sapermeina, Kanpokpi.
Amongst them, two are involved in murder cases, three in attempt to murder, and one in an ND&PS case taken up by NIA and others for crimes against women.
On the other-hand, after the two Meetei youths were handed over to their respective families and the JAC representatives, JAC convenor Subol spoke to media persons, expressing his gratitude and appreciation to all those including CSOs, clubs, Meira Paibi groups, Meetei Pangal and Naga communities and the state government, who supported and helped in securing the release of the youths.
He also announced dissolution of the JAC following the safe release of the duo.
(With inputs from Agencies) .
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