Senapati, June 9: The United Naga Council (UNC) has issued a public statement explaining the circumstances that led to the release of 14 Kuki detainees by Naga civil society organizations, emphasizing that the decision was taken on humanitarian grounds while continuing to demand justice and accountability for six missing Naga hostages.
In a statement signed by UNC President Ng. Lorho, the apex Naga body said the Naga people have a long-standing tradition of upholding humanitarian values, Christian principles, and respect for international human rights norms. Acting on these principles and after extensive consultations among Naga tribes, churches, organizations, and civil society groups, the UNC supported the unconditional release of the detainees.
According to the statement, several developments influenced the decision. These included assurances from the Union Home Ministry that efforts would continue to trace the missing Naga persons, identify those responsible for the abductions, and ensure legal action against the perpetrators. The UNC also cited appeals from the Government of Manipur, which reportedly assured intensified search operations, action against those involved, and strict enforcement of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) ground rules, including rationalization and relocation of camps.
The council further stated that appeals for the immediate and unconditional release of the hostages were received from senior political leaders, including the President of the National People’s Party and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma.
The UNC noted that after consultations with the Naga People’s Organisation (NPO), Senapati, and other stakeholders, a decision was reached to release the 14 Kuki detainees who had been held under the custody of the Naga Village Guard Northern Command.
The release was initially scheduled for June 1, 2026, in the presence of Naga civil society representatives from across the Naga homeland. However, the release was postponed following strong public sentiment demanding broader consultations and a clearer resolution regarding the six missing Naga hostages.
To address the matter, an emergency Presidential Council meeting of the UNC was convened on June 6, attended by representatives of the All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM) and the Naga Women’s Union. After deliberations, the house unanimously approved the release of the detainees while reiterating the demand for justice for the missing hostages.
The statement further revealed that on June 7, the Government of Manipur informed the UNC that authorities remained committed to tracing the missing persons, verifying their status, and facilitating their return within the next 48 hours. Following this assurance, arrangements for the release proceeded.
The 14 detainees were subsequently released and handed over to the Senapati District Administration and Police for reunification with their families.
While announcing the release, the UNC maintained that the issue of the six missing Naga hostages remains unresolved and urged authorities to intensify efforts to locate them, bring those responsible to justice, and ensure lasting peace and security in the region.
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