Fourteen Kuki civilians, who were held hostage for 27 days amid clashes between Naga and Kuki communities in Manipur, were released unconditionally on Tuesday, although the whereabouts of six Naga men kidnapped during the same cycle of violence remains unknown, officials familiar with the matter said.
Their release comes after weeks of negotiations involving church bodies, civil society groups and government authorities following the retaliatory kidnappings that erupted after the killing of three Kuki Zo church leaders and a Naga man in Kangbukpi district on May 13. The launch was facilitated by the United Naga Council (UNC), the Naga High Commission of Manipur, and other civil society organisations.
The Naga civil society organizations in Senapati district handed over the hostages to the village chief of Tavo Kuki in Kangpokpi district at around 3.30pm in the presence of police and district officials, the officials added.
Also read: A Manipur villager who went to collect firewood was shot dead in Kangpokpi district
“The Nagas are cultured people, we uphold our morals and respect international human rights law. We also took into account the assurances given by Union Home Minister Amit Shah to Nagaland Chief Minister Nephiu Rio that the missing six would be traced,” UNC President Ng Lorhu said, adding that the 14 individuals were released on humanitarian grounds and in response to appeals by church bodies and political leaders.
Nagaland CM Rio welcomed the move, saying on X: “I welcome the safe and humane release of Kuki hostages by the United Naga Council and Naga civil society organisations.” He said that this development will help restore confidence and contribute to achieving lasting peace in Manipur.
Also read: 4 injured during protest against Assam Rifles post at Ukrul in Manipur: Constable
On 13 May, a series of kidnappings occurred following the killings in the Kangbukpi area. A total of 48 people from both communities were taken hostage. On 15 May, both sides released 14 hostages each, but 14 Kukis and six Nagas remained in captivity.
“We were given the best food available in the area twice a day with tea and did not face any difficulties during our captivity,” Pawtinkai Chonglui, one of those released, said on Tuesday.
However, the relief of the Kuki families is matched by growing concern among the families of the six missing Nagas, whose whereabouts remain unknown.
They include Manu Thiomai and Dilip Thiumai, who were allegedly kidnapped while returning from a wedding in Kangpokpi. Their family members were released in a previous hostage exchange. “We want the government to find our men. Even if they can’t get justice, the government should at least find their bodies and give us some solution,” said Kachik Liu, Manu’s wife.
Also Read: Naga kidnapping case to be handed over to NIA: Manipur CM
Kuki Inpi Manipur, the apex body of Kuki tribes in the state, denied detaining the six Naga men and asserted that all those kidnapped on May 13 have already been released.
Meanwhile, a farmer from Kuki was killed by a group of armed miscreants in Tamenglong district on Tuesday, officials said.
Kangbukpi police said the incident occurred at around 11.30am in Lansan Kuki village under Tami police station in Tamenglong district.
Police said the dead man, Haujin Luphum (55), a farmer from Lansan Kuki village in Tameng Long, was working with a group of farmers in a rice field when the miscreants opened fire on them.
