Imphal, Manipur, August 2 (HBTV): In a positive development, a 45-year-old Meitei woman who strayed towards Senam in Tengnoupal district was rescued by Kuki villagers who returned her safely to the Assam Rifles at a mobile vehicle check post in Tengnoupal. 

Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities in Manipur have been engaged in more than a year of conflict that has left more than 200 killed and approximately 60,000 people displaced from their homes since May 2023 when violence broke out. The conflict also led to massive destruction of house and property.

The Meitei woman, unidentified in a release issued by the Press Information Bureau (Defence Wing) on Thursday, was returned to the security forces, the bureau stated.   

The woman, a resident of Pangal Tabi, Manning Lekai of Kakching, appeared disoriented and confused about her location when the Kuki villagers in the area noticed her, the PIB stated. During questioning by the villagers, the woman informed the authorities that her husband had been missing for more than five months. It was mentioned that she was searching for him when she mistakenly crossed from Pallel into the Kuki area. She appeared to be in distress and sought assistance from the villagers, the release said, adding that the villagers displayed goodwill and handed her over to the Assam Rifles.      

The Assam Rifles escorted her to Pallel, where she was safely handed over to the police, the updates stated.