Free Naga hostages too call stops UNC from releasing Kuki detainees
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Our Correspondent
SENAPATI, Jun 1: The United Naga Council (UNC) on Monday withdrew its earlier decision to release 14 Kuki detainees, citing strong public sentiment among the Naga community and growing concerns over the unresolved fate of six missing Naga hostages.
The release, initially scheduled for 2 pm in the presence of Home Commissioner Ashok Kumar and other officials, did not materialise.
In a declaration issued from the UNC headquarters in Senapati at around 6 pm, the apex Naga body announced that the proposed release stood cancelled.
“Considering the prevailing sentiments of the Naga public, the proposed release of the 14 Kuki detainees earlier scheduled on June 1, 2026, stands cancelled,” the declaration signed by UNC president Ng Lorho stated.
The development came hours after the UNC had publicly expressed its intention to facilitate the release of the detainees as a humanitarian gesture.
The organisation had earlier said the decision reflected Naga customary values, Christian teachings and respect for universal human rights principles.
According to a statement that circulated earlier in the day, the UNC said its decision was influenced by appeals from Naga Chur-ches, tribal organisations, civil society groups and members of the global Baptist community.
The body also referred to assurances reportedly received from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and the Government of Manipur regarding efforts to locate the abducted Naga civilians, secure the release of the remaining hostages and bring those responsible to justice.
The UNC further noted that several leaders, including National People’s Party president Conrad K Sangma, had appealed for the unconditional release of the detainees.
Following consultations with various stakeholders, the council said it had chosen to intervene in the spirit of peace and humanity while continuing to press for the safe return of the six Naga hostages.
Meanwhile, security arrangements were intensified in Karong and surrounding areas, with personnel from the Assam Rifles, Manipur Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) deployed to maintain law and order.
As uncertainty over the proposed release persisted, groups of youths began gathering outside the UNC office from around 5.30 pm.
The crowd gradually increased through the evening, with many demanding answers regarding the circum- stances surrounding the release proposal, seeking clarity and updates on the six missing Naga hostages.
Public concern appeared to centre on the lack of information regarding the hostages’ whereabouts and condition, with many questioning whether they were alive and calling for greater transparency from the authorities.
The growing unease among the public is understood to have played a significant role in the UNC’s decision to suspend the release process. Further details are awaited.
SENAPATI, Jun 1: The United Naga Council (UNC) on Monday withdrew its earlier decision to release 14 Kuki detainees, citing strong public sentiment among the Naga community and growing concerns over the unresolved fate of six missing Naga hostages.
The release, initially scheduled for 2 pm in the presence of Home Commissioner Ashok Kumar and other officials, did not materialise.
In a declaration issued from the UNC headquarters in Senapati at around 6 pm, the apex Naga body announced that the proposed release stood cancelled.
“Considering the prevailing sentiments of the Naga public, the proposed release of the 14 Kuki detainees earlier scheduled on June 1, 2026, stands cancelled,” the declaration signed by UNC president Ng Lorho stated.
The development came hours after the UNC had publicly expressed its intention to facilitate the release of the detainees as a humanitarian gesture.
The organisation had earlier said the decision reflected Naga customary values, Christian teachings and respect for universal human rights principles.
According to a statement that circulated earlier in the day, the UNC said its decision was influenced by appeals from Naga Chur-ches, tribal organisations, civil society groups and members of the global Baptist community.
The body also referred to assurances reportedly received from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and the Government of Manipur regarding efforts to locate the abducted Naga civilians, secure the release of the remaining hostages and bring those responsible to justice.
The UNC further noted that several leaders, including National People’s Party president Conrad K Sangma, had appealed for the unconditional release of the detainees.
Following consultations with various stakeholders, the council said it had chosen to intervene in the spirit of peace and humanity while continuing to press for the safe return of the six Naga hostages.
Meanwhile, security arrangements were intensified in Karong and surrounding areas, with personnel from the Assam Rifles, Manipur Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) deployed to maintain law and order.
As uncertainty over the proposed release persisted, groups of youths began gathering outside the UNC office from around 5.30 pm.
The crowd gradually increased through the evening, with many demanding answers regarding the circum- stances surrounding the release proposal, seeking clarity and updates on the six missing Naga hostages.
Public concern appeared to centre on the lack of information regarding the hostages’ whereabouts and condition, with many questioning whether they were alive and calling for greater transparency from the authorities.
The growing unease among the public is understood to have played a significant role in the UNC’s decision to suspend the release process. Further details are awaited.