UKHRUL: The United Naga Council (UNC) has sought the intervention of India’s Home Minister Amit Shah for the immediate release of the six Naga hostages allegedly held by a Kuki armed group and Leilon village, and to de-escalate the grave and rapidly worsening situation in the state.
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In the letter, the UNC stated that six Naga hostages were held by the Kuki armed group Kuki National Front-P (KNF-P) and the Leilon Vaiphei village, while reporting that it is a fact corroborated by eyewitness accounts.
“It is a fact, corroborated by eyewitnesses present at the scene, that the remaining 6 Naga hostages, including two Pastors, are still in Kuki custody. The abduction of 18 Innocent Naga civilians, including men, women, and married couples, were taken hostage in broad daylight occurred at Leilon Vaiphei village on May 13, 2026, at around 10:30-10:50 AM. 12 women and a baby child hostages were subsequently released on 15 May 2026,” it reported. Further, the UNC stated that, as per the information from reliable sources, the 6 Naga hostages may have been done away with in the custody of the KNF-P.
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“The indecisiveness and inaction of the Government of Manipur have unduly delayed resolution of this matter. This has raised serious concern among the general public as to why the state machinery and Central Forces have remained ineffective,” it fumes. The Naga body also questions whether this failure is attributed to the interference by Nemcha Kipgen, wife of the supremo of KNF-P, Thangboi Kipgen, who holds the Deputy Chief Minister post of the state.
“The Naga people, therefore, urge your good office to intervene for the handing over of the Naga hostages, dead or alive, without further delay,” it further stated, while urging the Home Minister to take urgent cognizance of this matter and ensure the immediate resolution of the hostage crisis.
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