Kuki man handed over to police
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 27 2023:
Even as Kuki militants continue to occupy several pockets of Meitei settlements in the foothills of Manipur which many see as one of the main reasons for dragging the violent standoff between the two communities, Meitei community extended an olive branch when they rescued and handed over a Kuki civilian to security forces today.
The Kuki man has been identified as Sailun Guite, 60, son of late Paolun Guite of Sagang village.
He is said to be a mentally challenged person.
Early today morning, Sailun Guite ventured into Pukhao Naharup village where he was met by the villagers who took him in for safety and security.
The people of Pukhao Naharup then handed him over to a combined team of State police, Gorkha Regiment and Assam Rifles.
People of Pukhao Naharup told media persons that the elderly man was handed over to the security forces for safe return to his family.
The man was treated as all innocent civilians are treated.
Our enemy isn't the aged man or the innocent Kuki civilians.
Our enemies are those who are firing at us unprovoked.
Our enemies are those who have burnt down whole villages and killed innocent people.
The Kuki militants, the narco-terrorists are our true enemies, said a woman of Pukhao Naharup.
"We are happy that he has been handed over to security forces, and he will be able to reunite with his family.
As we just did, we hope the Kuki people do the same to our innocent people," she said.
Many innocent people including two students-a boy and a girl belonging to the Meitei community are missing at present.
They have not returned home and their whereabouts are still not known.
There is fear that they have been captured and killed by Kuki militants, she said.
"We have extended an olive branch today.
We expect the Kukis to do the same to bring peace," she added.