Neiphiu Rio seeks Amit Shah's intervention for six abducted Naga men, with Centre assuring highest priority action
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DIMAPUR — As apprehension mounts over the fate of six Naga men abducted in Manipur, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has sought the personal intervention of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, into the issue.
In a letter addressed to United Naga Council (UNC) president NG Lohrii on May 30, Rio said that he had a telephonic conversation with Shah on May 29 and conveyed the deep concern of the Naga people over the incident, which has caused widespread anxiety and anguish among Nagas across the region.
According to the chief minister, he had requested Shah’s personal intervention and urged the government of India to make all possible efforts to trace the abducted persons, identify the perpetrators and secure the release of the six men at the earliest.
“The Union Home Minister assured me that the matter would be accorded the highest priority and that all necessary measures would be undertaken by the concerned agencies to trace the abducted persons, identify those responsible for the abduction, and ensure that the law takes its course,” Rio stated in the letter.
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He further informed the UNC that he had also spoken to the union home secretary and the director of the intelligence bureau, stressing the urgency and sensitivity of the matter and seeking immediate and coordinated action by all concerned agencies.
Rio said that both officials had assured him that the matter was being actively pursued.
Acknowledging the anxiety being experienced by the families of the abducted men and the wider Naga community, the chief minister appealed for restraint and cooperation to facilitate efforts aimed at securing their safe recovery and maintaining peace and harmony in the region..
Rio also appreciated what he described as the constructive role being played by the UNC and expressed hope that a peaceful resolution could be achieved through coordinated efforts and goodwill on all sides.
In the letter, the chief minister appealed to the UNC to prevail upon Naga volunteers who were “reportedly keeping fourteen Kuki individuals in their custody” and facilitate their safe and unconditional release.
“At this critical juncture, it is imperative that we remain guided by the teachings of Christianity, the values of compassion, forgiveness, and reconciliation, and the long-cherished Naga tradition of protecting innocent lives and upholding human dignity,” he stated.
Rio also referred to an appeal issued by the Christian Forum comprising church leaders and faith-based organisations, which called on all parties to uphold the sanctity of human life, reject violence and retaliation, and pursue a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
He said the forum’s appeal for the immediate and unconditional release of all innocent persons held by any group resonated with shared Christian values and the collective responsibility to preserve peace, justice and human dignity.
The chief minister further urged the UNC to continue engaging with authorities and stakeholders and extend its support to ongoing efforts aimed at securing the safe and early release of the six abducted Naga men.