Kohima, Nagaland Chief Minister Nephiu Rio has sought urgent intervention from the Center over the kidnapping of six members of the Naga community in Manipur and called for restraint and coordinated efforts to ensure their safe release.
In a letter to United Naga Council President N G Lohre on May 30, Rio said he had spoken to Union Home Minister Amit Shah on May 29 and conveyed the deep concern and suffering of the Naga people over the incident.
Rio said he requested Shah’s personal intervention and urged the Center to make all possible efforts to trace the kidnapped persons, bring the perpetrators to justice and secure the release of the six kidnapped persons as soon as possible.
According to the Prime Minister, Shah assured him that the matter would be given top priority and action would be taken by concerned agencies to trace the victims, identify those responsible and ensure that the law takes its course.
Rio, who is the president of the Naga People’s Front, also said that he had spoken to the Union Home Minister and the Director of the Intelligence Bureau, convinced them of the urgency and sensitivity of the matter and requested immediate coordinated action. He said both officials confirmed that the matter was being actively pursued.
Rio urged all parties concerned to exercise restraint and fully cooperate in efforts to ensure the safe recovery of the abducted persons and maintain peace and harmony in the region.
He expressed his appreciation for the constructive role played by the United Nations Command and expressed his hope that coordinated efforts and good faith would lead to an early peaceful solution.
The Prime Minister also appealed to the UN Command to overpower the Naga volunteers who are allegedly holding the 14 Kuki personnel and facilitate their safe and unconditional release.
Stressing the need for compassion and reconciliation, Rio said all parties must remain guided by Christian values and Naga traditions of protecting innocent lives and upholding human dignity.
He also welcomed the appeal issued by the Christian Forum, which includes church leaders and religious organizations, which calls for the renunciation of violence and revenge and the immediate and unconditional release of all innocent people detained by any group.
Rio said collective cooperation between Naga civil society organizations, church bodies and community leaders would strengthen ongoing efforts to ensure the safe release of the six kidnapped persons and prevent any further escalation of tensions.
This appeal assumes significance as the Naga People’s Amalgamated Front is part of the current Manipur government and has five members in the 60-member Manipur Assembly.
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