Photo Courtesy: northeasttoday
Imphal: Confusion persists regarding the reported release of 14 Kuki civilian detainees allegedly held by the Naga Village Guard, Northern Command. Despite a viral statement claiming the individuals were handed over to the Manipur government on Monday, no official authority has verified the event. Security agencies and state government representatives have remained silent on whether any such handover actually occurred.
The uncertainty stems from a statement attributed to the United Naga Council, which circulated on social media. UNC president Ng. Lorho claimed that the release was a humanitarian gesture based on Naga customary values and Christian principles. The statement noted that the decision followed appeals from various figures, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, and the Manipur government.
Reports earlier in the day suggested the detainees would be released at a public gathering in Senapati district. However, sources familiar with the situation indicated that a consultation meeting involving Naga civil society organisations was still underway at the Naga People’s Organisation office during the time the release was supposedly taking place. This meeting reportedly centered on deliberating whether the detainees should be released at all.
While the UNC statement highlighted the move as a resolution to the ongoing situation, it also reiterated a demand for the release of six Naga civilians missing since the May 13 violence in Kangpokpi district. With official confirmation still absent, the status of the 14 detainees remains unclear as stakeholders await further word from the state administration.
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