The United Naga Council (UNC) on Tuesday said the release of 14 Kuki detainees was carried out after “extensive consultation” and in response to repeated appeals from church bodies, civil society groups and government leaders for a peaceful resolution.
In a statement issued on June 9, the UNC said the decision reflected the Naga people’s “desire for justice and peace” and their long-standing respect for war ethics, Christian values and human rights.
Release follows multiple appeals
According to the statement, the UNC and the Naga Peoples’ Organisation, Senapati, intervened after appeals from the Baptist world community, Naga churches, tribes and organisations, as well as from Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Chief Minister of Nagaland Neiphiu Rio and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma. The council said these appeals stressed the need for the immediate and unconditional release of the hostages and for lawful action to trace the missing persons and identify those responsible.
Internal deliberation
The UNC said arrangements had initially been made to release the detainees on 1 June in the presence of Naga civil society representatives, but that plan was put on hold after public sentiment called for wider consultation. It said an emergency Presidential Council meeting was later convened on 6 June, with the All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur, and the Naga Women’s Union in attendance, and the release was unanimously approved.
Handed over to authorities
The statement added that the Manipur government had on 7 June assured that it would make every possible effort within 48 hours to trace the missing or abducted persons, confirm their status and return them to their families. The detainees were subsequently released at 4 pm on Tuesday and handed over to the Senapati district administration and police for reunion with their families.
Voice of people
The council said the decision was guided by humanitarian considerations and the expectation that peace could be advanced through restraint and dialogue. “We arranged for the unconditional release after clearing the deck, but the final decision was shaped by consultations and the voices of our people,” the statement said.