Imphal: The United Naga Council (UNC) released 14 Kuki detainees on Tuesday, handing them over to the Senapati district administration and police. This move follows a period of heightened inter-community hostility in Manipur sparked by a fatal ambush at Kotlen on May 13.
Following the ambush, 18 residents of Konsakhul village were reportedly taken hostage by Kuki groups. In a retaliatory action, Naga groups detained 28 Kuki individuals. While previous negotiations secured the release of several people, 14 Kuki detainees and six Naga hostages remained in captivity until this week.
A UNC executive member stated that the release occurred on humanitarian grounds, emphasizing that it reflected the group's commitment to cultural values and international law. The official noted that the decision serves as a demonstration of their "adherence to war ethics, respect for international law, and the protection of human rights."
The decision to proceed with the release followed appeals from Christian organizations and the Chief Minister of Meghalaya. It was also influenced by assurances from Union Home Minister Amit Shah, conveyed via the Chief Minister of Nagaland, regarding the ongoing search for the six missing Naga hostages. The Manipur government has confirmed that efforts to locate these individuals are continuing.
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