Manipur: Naga body releases 14 Kuki hostages following appeals, 6 missing Naga hostages yet to be traced

Fourteen Kuki detainees were released on Tuesday, June 9, and handed over to Senapati district authorities through the intervention of the United Naga Council (UNC), marking a significant development in efforts to ease tensions arising from recent inter-community hostilities in Manipur.

An executive member of the UNC stated that the release was facilitated on humanitarian grounds and reflected the Naga community's commitment to cultural values, adherence to war ethics, respect for international law, and the protection of human rights.

According to the UNC leader, the decision was also influenced by assurances conveyed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah through the Chief Minister of Nagaland regarding efforts to trace the whereabouts of six missing Naga hostages. Appeals from various Christian organisations and the Chief Minister of Meghalaya further contributed to the decision to proceed with the release.

The UNC representative also said that the Manipur government had assured the organisation that efforts were underway to ascertain the status of the six missing Naga hostages.

The hostage situation emerged in the aftermath of a deadly ambush at Kotlen on May 13. Following the incident, 18 Nagas from Konsakhul village in Kangpokpi district were allegedly taken hostage by Kuki groups at Leilon Vaiphei in the same district. In retaliation, Naga groups detained 28 Kuki individuals.

Subsequent negotiations led to the release of several detainees from both communities. However, six Naga hostages and 14 Kuki detainees remained in custody, prolonging concerns over their safety and well-being.

The UNC had earlier attempted to facilitate the release of the 14 Kuki detainees, but the move was postponed following objections and protests from sections of the Naga community. The detainees were eventually released on Tuesday and handed over to the Senapati district administration and Senapati Police Station.

Despite the development, uncertainty continues over the whereabouts of the six missing Naga hostages, with efforts reportedly ongoing to establish their status and secure their safe return.