SHILLONG, JUNE 9: Meghalaya Chief Minister and National People’s Party (NPP) national president Conrad K. Sangma today welcomed the United Naga Council’s decision to release 14 Kuki civilians detained in Senapati, calling it a humanitarian gesture and urging Kuki organisations to reciprocate by freeing six Naga civilians still in captivity.
Sangma praised Naga organisations for choosing compassion over conflict at a sensitive time in Manipur.
“I welcome and deeply appreciate the decision of the United Naga Council (UNC), the Naga tribal hohos, civil society organisations, community leaders and all concerned stakeholders to facilitate the release of the 14 Kuki civilians who had been detained in Senapati. This humanitarian gesture reflects the finest traditions of the Naga people, whose history, customs and faith have consistently upheld the values of compassion, dignity, reconciliation and respect for human life,” he said.
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He said the move sends a strong message of hope to Manipur and the Northeast amid ongoing tensions.
“At a time when emotions run high and communities continue to bear the scars of conflict, the decision to place humanity above differences sends a powerful message of hope to the people of Manipur and the wider Northeast. I commend the UNC and all Naga organisations for demonstrating restraint, wisdom and moral courage. Their actions have shown that even in the midst of difficult circumstances, peace and humanity can prevail over anger and division,” Sangma said.
The Chief Minister appealed to Kuki civil society groups to release the remaining “Naga captives” unconditionally, calling it a key step towards healing.
“At the same time, I respectfully renew my appeal to all Kuki civil society organisations, community leaders and concerned groups to reciprocate this noble gesture by ensuring the immediate and unconditional release of the six Naga civilians. The release of the 14 Kuki civilians was not merely an administrative decision. It was a humanitarian act rooted in the belief that innocent civilians should never become victims of conflict. It is my sincere hope that the same humanitarian spirit will now guide the safe return of the six Naga men to their families,” he said.
Sangma added that continued detention only prolongs suffering and delays peace efforts.
“The continued detention of any civilian prolongs the suffering of families and communities and delays the process of healing that Manipur so desperately needs. The release of the remaining captives would be a significant confidence-building measure and a powerful step towards restoring trust between communities,” he said.
Reiterating the NPP’s stand, he said the party remains committed to peace and protection of all citizens.
“The National People’s Party remains committed to supporting all efforts aimed at peace, dialogue, reconciliation and the protection of every citizen irrespective of tribe, community or faith. Let us seize this moment to demonstrate that humanity is stronger than conflict and that compassion remains the foundation upon which lasting peace can be built,” Sangma added.
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Meanwhile, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio also said “I welcome the safe and humane release of the Kuki hostages by the United Naga Council and Naga civil society organisations, in response to the appeal made by Church bodies led by the Baptist World Alliance.”
Taking to X, Rio said, “Over the past weeks, I had several interactions and deliberations with representatives of Naga civil society groups in our collective efforts to resolve the impasse on humanitarian grounds and in the true spirit of Christian values. I had also formally appealed for the safe release of the hostages, guided by compassion, human dignity & the values that define the Naga people. This gesture reflects our respect for human life, commitment to human rights & belief that even amidst conflict, humanity must prevail. I sincerely hope this development will contribute to restoring trust, healing divisions & paving the way for lasting peace in Manipur. It is our collective aspiration that harmony, fraternity and mutual understanding prevail, enabling all communities to move forward together in peace, equality and shared progress.”
Nagaland Chief Minister Rio further appealed for the “safe release of the 6 Naga hostages in a reciprocal and humanitarian manner so that they return to their loved ones. We hope this gesture will help pave the way for trust, understanding and dialogue as we strive for genuine peace, reconciliation and harmony.”
“May this act of humanity serve as a reminder that dialogue, compassion and faith remain our most powerful instruments for reconciliation and peace,” he added.