Senapati, June 9 | EKHON: In a move that has evoked both support and criticism, the United Naga Council (UNC) has facilitated the safe release of 14 Kuki detainees as a step toward peace and reconciliation in Manipur. The release came after appeals from Naga churches, tribal organizations, and civil society groups. According to the UNC, the detainees had been held by the Naga Village Guard, Northern Command.
The decision, UNC said was influenced by assurances from India’s Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, to Nagaland Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio that authorities would work to trace allegedly abducted Naga individuals, identify those responsible, and ensure legal action. The UNC also cited an appeal from the Government of Manipur seeking the safe release of the detainees while pledging to intensify efforts to determine the status of missing persons and enforce existing ground rules under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) framework.
The statement further referenced an appeal from Meghalaya Chief Minister and National People’s Party President Conrad K. Sangma, who reportedly called for the immediate and unconditional release of hostages as a humanitarian measure.
Arrangements had initially been made to release the 14 detainees on June 1 in the presence of Naga civil society representatives, however the release was postponed after public concerns prompted calls for wider consultation.
An emergency meeting of the UNC Presidential Council was convened on June 6 and attended by representatives of the All Naga Students’ Association Manipur and the Naga Women’s Union. The council reportedly discussed both the fate of six missing Naga hostages and the proposed release of the detainees before unanimously approving the move.
On June 7 the Government of Manipur communicated its commitment to make all possible efforts to determine the status of the missing or abducted persons within 48 hours. Following this development, the UNC stated that the 14 detainees were released at 4:00 p.m. and handed over to the Senapati district administration and police for reunification with their families.
The UNC emphasized Naga cultural traditions, Christian values, and respect for human rights principles as guiding factors behind the decision.
