Three Thadou Men Detained at Namdilong Released Safely

Kanglatongbi, August 14, 2026: Three members of the Thadou community who were detained at Namdilong village near Kanglatongbi were released and handed over to the Manipur Police following intervention by community leaders and senior police officials.

The three --- T. Letkhotinlen (Joseph), Lhingminchong Kipgen and Manggouthang Tuboi --- were reportedly detained at around 2:50 pm between Namdilong Junction and Kanglatongbi Bazaar along National Highway-2.

According to information received earlier, the three, two men and a woman according to the initial report, had gone to Kanglatongbi Bazaar to purchase basic commodities. They were reportedly detained after being identified as members of the Kuki community and taken towards Namdilong Naga village. Reports also alleged that they were assaulted while in detention. Police, led by the Imphal West SP, subsequently engaged in negotiations for their release.

However, Michael Lamjathang Thadou later stated that his younger brother, T. Letkhotinlen, along with Lhingminchong Kipgen and Manggouthang Tuboi, had been detained following what he described as a case of mistaken identity. He said their Thadou identity was subsequently acknowledged, leading to their release and handover to the Manipur Police.

Michael credited the intervention of Thadou and Naga community leaders for helping secure their safe release. He also expressed gratitude to those who made calls and intervened, particularly the Naga community for what he described as its understanding, restraint and humanity.

He further thanked Manipur DGP Mukesh Singh for his prompt intervention and timely action in facilitating the release.

Michael said the incident occurred at a particularly sensitive time following the reported attack on Langka Naga village by Kuki militants, in which two Naga persons were reportedly killed. He acknowledged the heightened tension and emotional atmosphere surrounding the incident and appreciated the restraint shown towards the Thadou individuals.

He said the peaceful resolution demonstrated that dialogue, restraint and mutual understanding can prevail even during periods of heightened tension.

Call for Peace and Reconciliation

The incident has underscored the need for continued Peace, Reconciliation and Communal Harmony in the region. Community leaders and the public are urged to exercise restraint, avoid mistaken identification and ensure that innocent civilians are not targeted or subjected to violence.

At a time of heightened tensions, dialogue between community leaders, respect for human dignity and cooperation with law-enforcement agencies remain essential to prevent further escalation and protect innocent lives.

~ KHALVONTAWI NEWS