By NE NOW NEWS
Imphal: The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) on Wednesday issued what it described as a “final and non-negotiable ultimatum” demanding the safe release of more than 30 Kuki individuals allegedly being held in Senapati district and Ireng Naga area by 5 am on May 15.
In a statement signed by KIM Secretary of Information and Publicity Janghaolun Haokip, the organisation alleged that over 25 Kuki persons were being unlawfully detained in Senapati district, while another six individuals were reportedly being held at Ireng Naga.
The statement claimed that the alleged detention took place on the same day two Church leaders from the Kuki-Zo community were killed, which the organisation described as a time of “immense grief and pain” for the community.
KIM termed the alleged detention of civilians “inhuman” and “barbaric”, stating that such actions amounted to a violation of human dignity and democratic norms.
The organisation warned that failure to ensure the release of the detained individuals before the stipulated deadline would make the concerned civil society organisations (CSOs) and “responsible actors” in Senapati district “fully and solely responsible” for any consequences arising thereafter.
The statement further said that any escalation of tension, deterioration of law and order, or further unrest would be the result of “deliberate refusal to act with humanity and responsibility”.
KIM also stated that the Kuki-Zo people had shown “extraordinary restraint” despite what it described as “killings, intimidation, and targeted aggression”, but warned that the community would not remain silent while civilians were allegedly being held hostage.
The organisation urged the concerned parties to take immediate steps to resolve the situation before it reached what it called an “irreversible and uncontrollable stage”.
Copies of the statement were addressed to the Governor of Manipur, the Director General of Police, deputy commissioners and superintendents of police of Kangpokpi and Senapati districts, along with media houses.