Kohima, Nagaland Chief Minister Nephiu Rio strongly condemned the killing of six Nagas in Manipur, terming it a “horrific and inhumane” act and demanded immediate action against those responsible, while urging people across Nagaland, Manipur and Naga-inhabited areas to maintain peace and exercise restraint.
In a statement on X, Rio said the incident was particularly painful because it came after Naga organizations facilitated the release of 14 hostages they were holding, ensuring their well-being, safety and dignity throughout their captivity.
Manipur Police on Wednesday said they had recovered the remains of six people, suspected to be missing Naga men, who were taken hostage by armed groups in Kangpokpi district.
The Prime Minister said the release of the 14 hostages was carried out in response to calls from church organizations led by the Baptist World Alliance and after consultations with Naga civil society groups. Rio said he personally participated in the deliberations aimed at securing their release in line with the humanitarian and Christian values of the Naga people.
Rio credited the United Naga Council and other apex Naga organizations for exercising restraint and choosing the path of compassion and peace despite what he described as a “very volatile situation”. He said the safe release of all 14 hostages reflects the Naga people’s commitment to human dignity even under difficult circumstances.
However, he said appeals for the mutual release of six Naga hostages allegedly held by members of the Kuki community ended in tragedy, with the six individuals killed instead.
Describing the incident as shocking and beyond comprehension, the Prime Minister said it had deeply wounded the conscience of the Naga people.
Rio urged the Government of India and the Government of Manipur to take urgent measures to ensure justice, calling for those responsible to be identified, arrested and prosecuted under the law.
He added, “Accountability is essential. A measure of trust among people can only be restored through a fair, transparent and credible process.”
The Prime Minister also called on the authorities to take impartial steps to ensure the safety and security of all communities, warning that any erosion of public confidence in government institutions would further worsen the already fragile situation in Manipur.
Appealing for calm, Rio urged citizens, especially Naga communities in Manipur, Nagaland, the Northeast and Myanmar, not to allow grief and anger to fuel further violence. He called for unity, vigilance, and adherence to the principles of peace, justice, and human dignity.
Rio also expressed his condolences to the bereaved families and expressed his solidarity with the victims, saying the entire Naga community stood with them during the difficult period.
This article was generated from an automated news feed without any modifications to the text.
