Senapati (Manipur): In a significant humanitarian development amid continuing ethnic tensions in Manipur, Naga civil society organisations on Tuesday released 14 Kuki individuals and handed them over to the district administration and police authorities in Senapati district.
According to a statement issued by Manipur Police, the 14 individuals were formally released by Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) of Senapati district and subsequently handed over to the Senapati Police and district administration.
Police said all required procedures were completed following their release, including identity verification and medical examinations. Security arrangements were strengthened and the transportation route was secured to ensure the safe movement of the individuals to Taphou Kuki Village.
After completing all formalities, the individuals were officially handed over to the Chief of Taphou Kuki Village through a duly executed handing-over memorandum.
“The entire process was conducted peacefully and in a coordinated manner with the cooperation of all stakeholders concerned,” the police statement said.
The release came following appeals made by church organisations seeking a humanitarian resolution to the issue.
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio welcomed the development and described it as a positive gesture reflecting compassion and respect for human dignity. He said the release followed discussions and consultations with Naga civil society groups and church leaders.
In a series of posts on social media platform X, Rio said he had consistently appealed for the safe release of the hostages on humanitarian grounds.
He stated that over recent weeks he had engaged in several rounds of discussions with representatives of Naga civil society organisations in an effort to resolve the situation peacefully and in accordance with Christian values.
The Chief Minister said the release demonstrated respect for human life, commitment to human rights and a belief that humanity must prevail even in times of conflict.
While welcoming the release of the Kuki individuals, Rio also called for the reciprocal release of six Naga civilians who were allegedly abducted by armed Kuki militants.
“We once again appeal for the safe release of the six Naga hostages in a reciprocal and humanitarian manner so that they can return to their loved ones,” Rio said, expressing hope that the gesture would help build trust and promote dialogue, reconciliation and lasting peace.
The six Naga civilians were reportedly abducted from Leilon Vaiphei village in Kangpokpi district on May 13. Their disappearance has triggered protests and demonstrations across Naga-dominated areas, with community organisations demanding their immediate release.
Manipur has remained tense since the outbreak of large-scale ethnic violence between Meitei and Kuki communities in May 2023. While security forces have managed to contain much of the large-scale violence, sporadic clashes and inter-community tensions continue to affect several districts.
The latest dispute involving Naga and Kuki groups has added another layer of complexity to the state’s fragile security situation. Observers believe the release of the 14 Kuki individuals could serve as a confidence-building measure and potentially open the door for further humanitarian initiatives aimed at easing tensions among communities.
