Nagaland Chief Minister and Naga People's Front (NPF) president Neiphiu Rio has sought the Centre’s urgent intervention to secure the release of six members of the Naga community abducted in Manipur, while Meghalaya Chief Minister and National People’s Party (NPP) president Conrad K. Sangma has appealed for the immediate and unconditional release of all civilians being held captive amid the state’s continuing ethnic tensions.
In a letter to United Naga Council (UNC) president NG Lohrii dated May 30, Rio said he had spoken to Union Home Minister Amit Shah on May 29 and conveyed the deep concern and anguish of the Naga people over the abduction of six Nagas.
According to Rio, Shah assured him that the matter would be accorded the highest priority and that agencies concerned would take all necessary measures to trace the victims, identify those responsible and ensure that the law takes its course. Rio said he had also spoken to the Union home secretary and the director of the Intelligence Bureau, stressing the urgency and sensitivity of the issue and seeking coordinated action.
The Chief Minister urged all stakeholders to exercise restraint and cooperate in efforts to secure the safe recovery of the abducted persons and maintain peace in the region. He also appealed to the UNC to prevail upon Naga volunteers allegedly holding 14 Kuki individuals and facilitate their safe and unconditional release.
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Emphasising compassion and reconciliation, Rio said all sides should be guided by Christian values and the Naga tradition of protecting innocent lives and upholding human dignity. He welcomed an appeal by a Christian Forum comprising church leaders and faith-based organisations, which called for the rejection of violence and retaliation and sought the immediate release of all innocent persons held by any group.
Meanwhile, Sangma wrote separately to leaders of Kuki Inpi Manipur and the UNC, expressing concern over reports that six Naga men and 14 Kuki civilians have remained in captivity since May 13 and 14.
The Meghalaya chief minister said the continued detention of civilians had caused immense distress to affected families and risked deepening divisions among communities with long-standing social and cultural ties. He urged all parties to ensure the safe release of those being held and appealed for their well-being, including access to food, medical assistance and communication with their families until they return home.
Sangma stressed that lasting solutions to Manipur’s challenges could only emerge through dialogue, mutual understanding and reconciliation rather than violence or coercion. He also highlighted the need to create an environment in which young people from all communities could pursue education, security and better opportunities.
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