Neiphiu Rio condemned the killing of six Naga men after their bodies were recovered in Manipur, calling the incident a heinous act and extending condolences to their families.
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DIMAPUR — Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has condemned the “horrific and inhuman killing of six innocent Nagas in Manipur” whose mortal remains were recovered on Wednesday, nearly a month after they were allegedly abducted by Kuki militants.
“This barbaric and reprehensible act represents a complete disregard for the sanctity of human life and the most fundamental principles of humanity. It is an atrocity that deserves the strongest possible condemnation from every right-thinking individual and from every section of society,” he said in a statement.
“What makes this tragedy even more painful and disturbing is the fact that it occurred after the Naga people had peacefully and unconditionally facilitated the safe release of all fourteen hostages who were in their custody,” he said, adding that they were treated with humanity and compassion during their captivity.
He stated that the hostages were released in the true Christian spirit and in keeping with the age-old values, traditions and character of the Naga people, as well as appeals of Church organisations led by the Baptist World Alliance.
“I personally held deliberations and consultations with representatives of Naga civil society organisations and appealed for the hostages to be released in accordance with our faith, our values and our collective commitment to humanity,” he said, adding that the United Naga Council (UNC) and other apex Naga organisations chose the path of restraint, compassion and peace despite tremendous pressure and an extremely volatile situation.
“Our sincere appeal was for the reciprocal and safe release of the six Naga hostages who were being held by the Kuki community. Tragically and heartbreakingly, they have instead been brutally murdered under circumstances that are both shocking and beyond comprehension. This senseless loss of innocent lives has deeply wounded the conscience of the Naga people everywhere,” he continued.
Rio has appealed to the Government of India and the Government of Manipur to take all necessary measures to ensure prompt delivery of justice. He also called for identification, arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the heinous crime “under the fullest extent of the law”, saying that confidence can be restored among the people only through fair, transparent and credible process.
While expressing the need for concrete and impartial steps to ensure the safety and security of all communities, he said ‘it is imperative that people continue to have faith in the government, the rule of law and the institutions entrusted with maintaining peace and order’.
“I also appeal to all citizens, especially my Naga brothers and sisters across Manipur, Nagaland, the wider North Eastern region and our Naga brethren in Myanmar, to remain calm and steadfast,” he said, while asking ‘not to allow grief, anger and pain to lead us down the path of violence and hatred’ but seek God's wisdom and guidance through prayer.
“Let us remain united, vigilant and resolute. Let us uphold the principles of peace, justice and human dignity, and resist all attempts to divide our people through fear and violence.
The CM also conveyed his deepest condolences to the bereaved families and loved ones of the deceased.
“I share in their grief and pain, and I stand in solidarity with the entire Naga family during this dark and sorrowful hour,” he said.
“Even in the midst of tragedy, let us not lose hope. Let us place our faith and trust in the Almighty God and seek strength from our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, whose grace alone can guide us through these trying times,” he added.
The chief minister's statement came hours after Manipur Police recovered six bodies believed to be those of the Naga men who had been missing since May 13 following a hostage crisis in Kangpokpi district.
The six men had remained untraced for nearly a month after being separated from a larger group of hostages taken during the violence. Their mortal remains were recovered on Wednesday during a search operation involving personnel from Manipur Police, the Central Reserve Police Force and the Assam Rifles.
The missing men have been identified as Kenpibou (Pastor), Phenrongwi Thiumai, Rev. Dr. Manu Thiumai (Pastor), Dilip Thiumai, Kaliwangbou Abonmai and Ch. Phenrilung.
A day earlier, Rio had appealed for the safe release of the six men following the release of 14 Kuki individuals linked to the same incident, expressing hope that the humanitarian gesture would help pave the way for peace, reconciliation and harmony.