Northeast Leaders Urge Reciprocal Release of Hostages in Manipur

Imphal: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio have publicly praised the United Naga Council for the recent release of 14 Kuki civilians detained in Senapati. The move, facilitated by Naga civil society groups and tribal hohos, followed an appeal from church organizations led by the Baptist World Alliance.

Addressing the development, Sangma described the release as a humanitarian act that serves as a beacon of hope for the region. He stated, "I welcome and deeply appreciate the decision of the United Naga Council, the Naga tribal hohos, civil society organisations, community leaders and all concerned stakeholders to facilitate the release of the 14 Kuki civilians who had been detained in Senapati."

Both leaders are now calling for a reciprocal gesture to ease ongoing tensions in Manipur. They have urged Kuki civil society organizations to release six Naga civilians currently held in captivity. According to Sangma, the continued detention of civilians only serves to prolong community suffering and obstruct essential peace efforts.

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio noted that he had spent weeks engaging with Naga civil society representatives to resolve the standoff through dialogue and shared values. He emphasized that the safe release of the Kuki civilians demonstrates a commitment to human rights and dignity. Both Sangma and Rio expressed their hope that the release of the remaining six hostages would serve as a vital confidence-building measure, ultimately paving the way for reconciliation and lasting harmony across Manipur.