Kohima, May 21 (MExN): The United Naga Council (UNC) has appealed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah to intervene for the immediate release of six Naga hostages in Manipur.
In a representation submitted through the Deputy Commissioner of Senapati district on May 21, the UNC stated that the intervention was necessary “to de-escalate the grave and rapidly worsening situation in the state.”
According to the UNC, “It is an established fact, corroborated by eyewitnesses present at the scene, that the remaining 6 Naga hostages including two Pastors are still in Kuki custody.”
The Council alleged that 18 Naga civilians, including men, women and married couples, were abducted and taken hostage in broad daylight at Leilon Vaiphei village on May 13 between 10:30 am and 10:50 am. It stated that 12 women and a baby were later released on May 15.
The UNC further claimed that information from “reliable sources” indicated that the six remaining hostages “may have been done away with in the custody of the KNF-P.”
It also alleged that the “indecisiveness and inaction” of the Government of Manipur had delayed resolution of the matter and raised questions among the public over the effectiveness of the state machinery and Central forces.
The representation further questioned whether the delay was linked to “interference” by Nemcha Kipgen, wife of KNF-P supremo Thangboi Kipgen, who currently serves as Deputy Chief Minister of Manipur.
“The Naga people, therefore, urge your good office to intervene for handing over of the Naga hostages, dead or alive, without further delay,” the UNC stated.
NESO calls for end to violence
A meeting of the North East Students' Organisation was convened in Guwahati on May 20 to deliberate on the ongoing conflict between the Kuki and Naga communities in Manipur.
Hosted by the All Assam Students' Union, the meeting expressed “grave concern over repeated incidents of ambushes, killings, abductions, and intimidation of innocent civilians,” stating that the incidents had created “an atmosphere of fear, insecurity, and instability across the region.”
In a statement, NESO “unequivocally condemned the repeated killings and attacks on innocent civilians, including church leaders,” and asserted that “violence against unarmed and innocent civilians who were on a peace mission can never be justified.”
The organisation also strongly appealed for the “unconditional release of all hostages reportedly being held” and further appealed that “no harm be inflicted upon them.”
NESO also questioned the role of the Government of India over what it described as “inaction and alleged inflammatory role in this prolonged conflict, which continues to claim innocent lives and destabilize the region.”
It further stated that since the beginning of the violence, several people had been reported missing and remained untraceable, and demanded that the government “employ all effective measures to ascertain their whereabouts.”
Appealing for peace and restoration of normalcy, NESO urged all communities and stakeholders to “reject violence and retaliation” and instead “work collectively towards peace, justice, and the restoration of normalcy in Manipur.”
The meeting concluded with an affirmation to continue standing for “peace, the restoration of normalcy, and the dignity of all innocent civilians affected by the conflict.”
The meeting was attended by representatives of the All Manipur Students' Union, All Assam Students' Union, All Arunachal Pradesh Students' Union, Khasi Students' Union, Mizo Zirlai Pawl, Garo Students' Union and the Naga Students' Federation.
MLA Namri Nchang expresses concern
Nagaland MLA of 6-Tening A/C, Shri Namri Nchang, has expressed deep concern over the continued disappearance and reported captivity of six Naga individuals from Konsaram Village in Kangpokpi district, Manipur.
In a press statement, Nchang stated that the “unfortunate chain of events” began on May 13 with the killing of three Church leaders, which he said “severely disturbed the peace, harmony, and communal understanding in the region.” He further noted that reports of abductions involving civilians from both communities had escalated fear and tension among the people.
While acknowledging the release of 14 individuals from both communities on May 17 following mediation efforts, Nchang said it remained “a matter of grave concern” that the whereabouts and condition of six Naga individuals, including Reverend Manu Thiumai, Pastor of Harup Village, were still unknown.
“The taking of civilian hostages or the unlawful detention of innocent persons by any group is contrary to humanitarian values, constitutional principles, legal norms, and the age-old customary traditions of our societies,” he stated. He added that such acts “only deepen mistrust, aggravate tensions, and further endanger communal harmony in the region.”
Nchang appealed to both the Naga and Kuki communities to uphold “the spirit of peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, understanding, and brotherhood.” He stated, “We must not allow hatred, misunderstanding, or acts of violence to create enmity among us.”
He also appealed for the immediate and safe release of the captives and urged authorities to “identify, investigate, and book the culprits involved in these unfortunate incidents strictly in accordance with the law.”
Further, the MLA called upon the Government of Manipur and the Government of India to intensify search operations and ensure a “fair, transparent, and time-bound inquiry” into the matter.
Nchang also appealed to civil society organisations, Church bodies, community leaders, and citizens to cooperate towards de-escalation, peace-building, and the safe return of the missing individuals.
ZYO (N) expresses solidarity with Nagas in Manipur
The Zeliang Youth Organisation (N) (ZYO-N) convened its executives meeting at the NZPO Office in Jalukie Town on May 20, during which the organisation deliberated on “various prevailing socio-political issues affecting our people.”
According to a press release issued by ZYO(N), the house resolved to “intervene proactively for justice, peace, and an early, honorable solution to all concerns placed before it” following “thorough discussion” on the issues raised during the meeting.
Reaffirming its commitment to “Naga unity and identity,” the organisation expressed its “fullest solidarity with the Nagas in Manipur,” particularly concerning the six Liangmai Naga captives.
The house unanimously resolved to initiate “democratic and peaceful means to ensure their early and safe release,” the release stated.
ZYO(N) further stated that while the organisation “may not react to every situation instantly,” every step taken would be “based on facts, accuracy, and the collective interest of the people.”
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