GNF urges Delhi to reciprocate Kuki detainees' release by addressing Naga aspirations through sincere political dialogue and justice
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DIMAPUR — Calling the release of 14 Kuki hostages by Naga civil society organisations a noble gesture of humanity and reconciliation, the Global Naga Forum (GNF) has urged the government of India and the Manipur government to reciprocate the goodwill by addressing the longstanding political aspirations and legitimate demands of the Naga people.
In a press communiqué issued on Saturday, the GNF expressed appreciation to the United Naga Council (UNC) and various Naga civil society organisations in Manipur for facilitating the safe release of the 14 Kuki detainees on June 9.
The forum stated that the release had been a heartfelt desire of the organisation and disclosed that a GNF delegation had met Naga civil society leaders in Senapati on May 23 to appeal for the safe release of the hostages.
According to the GNF, although it was convinced that the six Naga men who had gone missing were no longer alive, it maintained that innocent people should not suffer for crimes they did not commit.
Also read: Manipur: UNC sets conditions before receiving remains of slain Naga hostages
Rather than seeking revenge, the forum stated that it had appealed for the detainees to be released in a dignified and organised manner, describing the eventual decision as a demonstration that the Naga people are guided by humanity, justice and wisdom rather than vengeance.
The GNF also acknowledged the role played by various authorities and organisations, including the World Baptist Alliance, whose appeals and interventions had contributed to the humanitarian decision taken by the UNC and other Naga civil society organisations.
The forum appealed to these organisations, along with other well-wishers of peace and justice, to engage with the governments of India and Manipur to ensure that the gesture of goodwill is reciprocated through sincere political engagement and by addressing the genuine aspirations of the Naga people.
It asserted that justice, fairness and meaningful political dialogue are essential for achieving lasting peace and reconciliation in the region.
The GNF further called upon the Centre to earnestly fulfil the legitimate aspirations and demands of the Naga people at the earliest, stating that such a response would contribute to peace, justice and long-term stability in the Northeast.
It expressed gratitude to the UNC, Naga civil society organisations and all stakeholders for choosing "the path of humanity, restraint and peace" during a difficult and emotional period.