Three Students Allegedly Held Hostage by SDSA, Educational Institutions Demand Immediate Release

Three students from Manipur’s Kuki community were allegedly abducted and held hostage by the Senapati District Students’ Association (SDSA), prompting strong condemnation from educational institutions and growing concern over the safety of students in the region.

The students have been identified as Hengunsei Khongsai, a student of Young Pillars College in Churachandpur; Sehminhao Chongloi, a student of Gunchu Coaching Institute in Kangpokpi; and Tonggoulen Chongloi, a student of EMRS Gamnom Sapormeina in Kangpokpi district. All three are residents of Taphou Kuki village.

According to reports, the students were allegedly taken hostage on May 13 in Senapati district. The incident has drawn criticism, especially as SDSA is regarded as a student body formed to protect the welfare and interests of students in the district.

Among the three, Hengunsei Khongsai is reportedly suffering from Muscular Dystrophy, a physical disability. Sources said he had recently lost his father and had been supporting his grieving family while continuing his studies.

Young Pillars College issued a strong statement expressing deep concern over the alleged abduction of its student.

“It has come to our attention that one of our students, Hengunsei Khongsai, has been abducted and is being held hostage allegedly by the SDSA and NSCN (IM). We are deeply concerned for his safety and well-being,” the statement read.

The college further stated that Hengunsei was the sole breadwinner of his family and appealed for his immediate release along with the other hostages.

“We fervently appeal to the concerned parties to release him and all other hostages immediately. We urge all right-thinking individuals and groups to give peace a chance and resolve differences through dialogue rather than violence,” the institution added.

Gunchu Coaching Institute also condemned the incident and demanded the unconditional release of its student, Sehminhao Chongloi.

In its statement, the institute termed hostage-taking as a serious violation of law and human dignity.

“Taking any person hostage is a grave violation of law, school policy, and basic human dignity. It endangers lives and destroys trust within our community,” the statement said.

The institute also cited relevant legal provisions, stating that hostage-taking constitutes a criminal offense under Sections 340, 342, and 364A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

“The safety and well-being of every student is non-negotiable. Such actions will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” the institute added while urging community leaders and concerned groups to resolve differences through peaceful dialogue instead of coercion and violence.