Uncertainty continued to surround the reported release of 14 Kuki civilian detainees allegedly held by the Naga Village Guard–Northern Command, as neither the Government of Manipur nor independent sources had officially confirmed their release till 4 pm today.
The confusion emerged after a statement issued by the United Naga Council (UNC) went viral on social media, claiming that the 14 detainees had been released and handed over to the Government of Manipur during a public programme held at Tahamzam (Senapati) earlier in the day.
However, as of the time of filing this report at 4 pm, there was no official confirmation from the state government, security agencies or any authorised authority verifying that the detainees had actually been released.
Earlier in the day, reports circulating on social media and through local networks suggested that the detainees would be released at around 2 pm during a programme scheduled at Karong in Senapati district. The UNC statement described the move as a humanitarian gesture facilitated by the council and the Naga People’s Organisation (NPO) following consultations with stakeholders.
Significantly, sources informed Imphal Times that even as the UNC statement claiming the release was circulating, a consultation meeting of Naga civil society organisations was underway at the NPO office in Senapati district to deliberate on the issue and discuss whether the detainees should be released. The meeting reportedly involved key Naga stakeholders and was still central to the decision-making process.
In the statement circulated at social media, UNC President Ng. Lorho said the decision to release the detainees was guided by Naga customary values, Christian principles and humanitarian considerations. He stated that the move followed appeals from Naga churches, tribal organisations, the Baptist community, the Government of Manipur, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma.
The UNC further stated that the detainees were to be handed over before a public gathering attended by church leaders, civil society organisations and government representatives. The council also renewed its demand for the immediate and safe release of six Naga civilians who remain missing following the May 13 violence in Kangpokpi district. The authenticity of the UNC press hand out circulated at social media is yet to be verified.
Despite the detailed nature of the statement, sources familiar with the developments told Imphal Times that the 14 Kuki detainees had not yet been released as of 4 pm. The exact status of the detainees therefore remained unclear.
The absence of any official statement from the Manipur Government has further fuelled uncertainty over the claims made in the viral UNC statement. Officials have so far remained silent on whether the reported handover took place, whether government representatives received the detainees, and whether the individuals are presently in the custody of state authorities.
With tensions remaining high and the fate of six missing Naga civilians still unresolved, the reported release of the 14 Kuki detainees is being viewed as a potentially significant confidence-building measure. However, until formal confirmation is issued by the concerned authorities, questions remain over whether the release has actually taken place.
Imphal Times will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as official information becomes available.