UKHRUL: Following the release of 14 Kuki detainees today in Senapati District, Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen has conveyed a message of gratitude to all the stakeholders for their efforts and humanitarian concern. The United Naga Council (UNC) has also clarified the basis for the release.
Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen in the message, extended her profound gratitude to the Home Minister of Government of India Amit Shah, Nagaland Chief Minister Dr. Nephiu Rio, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, all Naga Civil Society Organizations, the Baptist World Alliance, organizations from all communities and individuals responsible, for their tireless efforts and deep sense of humanitarian concern, which made possible the safe release of the 14 detainees of Taphou Kuki Village.
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“At a time marked by anxiety and uncertainty, their intervention has brought immense relief to the affected families and has reaffirmed the enduring strength of compassion and collective conscience in our society,” she said.
Further, she stated that the outcome stands as a solemn and powerful reminder that, even in the most difficult of times, dialogue, empathy, and shared resolve remain their greatest instruments of hope. “The courage and perseverance shown by all those involved have not only restored hope to the families of the detainees but have also inspired the wider public by demonstrating that humanity, when guided by purpose and wisdom, can prevail over fear and division,” she continued.
Additionally, she, on behalf of the Government of Manipur and the people, also conveyed her heartfelt appreciation for this noble humanitarian effort. She also prayed that the spirit of compassion, responsibility, and brotherhood continue to guide them as they strive to heal divisions, strengthen trust among communities, and build a future anchored in peace, justice, security, and enduring harmony for all the people of Manipur & Nagaland.
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Meanwhile, according to the United Naga Council, the 14 detainees were released based on appeals made by the Baptist world community, Naga Churches, tribes, and organisations, and Nagas being a people with an age-old culture passed down through generations.
The council further stated that the decision was taken considering the assurance from the Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Nagaland Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio, that the Ministry of Home Affairs will trace the abducted Naga persons, identify those responsible for the abduction, and ensure that the law takes its course. It also mentioned the appeal made by the Government of Manipur for the safe release of the detained individuals with the assurance to intensify the ongoing combing operations to establish the status of the missing hostages and produce them at the earliest.
It also stated that the Manipur government assured to track down and arrest all the perpetrators and strictly enforce the Suspension of Operation Ground Rules, including rationalisation and relocation of camps. The UNC also noted the appeal for immediate and unconditional release of hostages as a conscious choice of humanity received from the President of the National People’s Party and Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad K. Sangma.
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Moreover, the UNC stated that the council and the Naga Peoples’ Organisation, Senapati, after consulting with all stakeholders, intervened for the release of the 14 Kuki detainees under the custody of the Naga Village Guard- Northern Command.
“After clearing the deck, we arranged for the unconditional release of 14 Kuki detainees at 2.00 PM of the 1st June, 2026, in the presence and witness of Naga civil societies from across the Naga homeland. However, due to public sentiments strongly voiced for more extensive consultation on the matter, the release was cancelled for that day. Accordingly, an emergency Presidential Council of the UNC was convened on the 6th June, 2026, and with the All Naga Students’ Association Manipur and the Naga Women’s Union in attendance. The matter of justice for the 6 Naga Hostages and release of the Kuki detainees was tabled, deliberated, and eventually approved unanimously by the house,” the UNC concluded.