Imphal: In a marked humanitarian gesture amid the ongoing Naga–Kuki hostage crisis, the United Naga Council (UNC) on Tuesday facilitated the release of 14 Kuki hostages held in Manipur’s Senapati district, handing them over to district administration officials, police and security forces after consultations with multiple stakeholders.
The handover followed extended deliberations involving community leaders, church bodies and civil society organisations that had repeatedly appealed for a peaceful resolution to the standoff.
Speaking after the release, UNC president Ng Lorho said the council’s move reflected the Naga people’s commitment to humanitarian values, war ethics, international law and human rights. “The PAC Council intervened and facilitated the release of the Kuki hostages on the basis that Nagas are cultured people. We uphold war ethics and also respect international law and human rights,” Lorho said.
Lorho said the decision was also influenced by assurances reportedly given by Union Home Minister Amit Shah to Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio, that all possible steps would be taken to trace and establish the status of the six missing Naga hostages. He added that appeals from a wide range of groups — including the Council of Naga Baptist Churches, the Nagaland Baptist Church Council, Christian forums, tribal hohos and organisations across Nagaland, and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma — factored into the UNC’s deliberations.
Lorho also referred to commitments from the Manipur Government that efforts would be made to ascertain the status of the missing Naga individuals within a defined timeframe. “In consultation with all stakeholders, the United Naga Council facilitated the safe release of the 14 Kuki hostages and handed them over to the district administration, police and security forces before the public,” he said.
Released Hostage Praises Captors’ Conduct
One of those freed, Paotinkai Chongloi of Kokhita village, told reporters the group had been in Naga custody for close to a month and were treated humanely throughout. He said they were provided food, clothing, blankets and other necessities, and received two meals a day along with tea during their stay.
“We have learned a great lesson from our Naga brothers. They have been extraordinary to us,” Chongloi said, and urged his community to reciprocate the kindness by pressing for the unconditional release of the six missing Naga hostages on humanitarian grounds.
Reactions & Appeals
The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) expressed gratitude to the state government, Assam Rifles, UNC, Naga Students’ Federation and civil society organisations that participated in the June 7 meeting in Senapati “which led to the safe release of the 14 hostages.”
Also appreciating Christian organisations, KIM said, “…as a window of hope for peace begins to emerge, we urge all communities to recognise that enough blood has been shed. The time has come to pursue peace and reconciliation…”
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh welcomed the release, calling it an act of compassion, responsibility and concern for human life.
The crisis began after six Naga individuals went missing in the Senapati–Kangpokpi area, triggering alarm among Naga organisations and leading to the detention of 14 Kuki individuals by Naga volunteers and civil society groups — a development that heightened tensions between the two communities and prompted calls for restraint and a humanitarian resolution across the Northeast.
