Neiphiu Rio welcomed the release of 14 Kuki hostages in Manipur and renewed his appeal for the safe return of six Naga men still in captivity.
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DIMAPUR — Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Tuesday welcomed the release of 14 Kuki hostages in Manipur and appealed for the safe release of six Naga men who remain in captivity.
In a series of posts on X, Rio described the release as a humanitarian gesture and expressed hope that it would contribute to restoring trust and advancing peace efforts in the violence-hit state.
The development came after all 14 Kuki individuals, who were abducted on May 13 in Manipur's Senapati district, were released on Tuesday. According to PTI, the release was facilitated by the United Naga Council (UNC) and Senapati district-based civil society organisations.
"I welcome the safe and humane release of the Kuki hostages by the United Naga Council and Naga civil society organisations, in response to the appeal made by Church bodies led by the Baptist World Alliance," Rio stated.
Related: 14 Kuki hostages released after month of abduction in Manipur's Senapati
The chief minister said he had held several interactions and deliberations with representatives of Naga civil society groups over the past weeks as part of collective efforts to resolve the impasse on humanitarian grounds and in keeping with Christian values.
He also said he had formally appealed for the safe release of the hostages, guided by compassion, human dignity and the values of the Naga people.
"This gesture reflects our respect for human life, commitment to human rights and belief that even amidst conflict, humanity must prevail," Rio said.
According to PTI, the 14 Kuki individuals were abducted following the killing of three church leaders in an ambush in Kangpokpi district. An official said all 14 were released safely at the Senapati district headquarters in the presence of police and security personnel.
UNC president Ng Lorho told PTI that the hostages were released following appeals by the central and state governments, church bodies and apex tribal organisations.
Rio said he hoped the release would help restore trust, heal divisions and pave the way for lasting peace in Manipur.
"It is our collective aspiration that harmony, fraternity and mutual understanding prevail, enabling all communities to move forward together in peace, equality and shared progress," he stated.
The chief minister also renewed his appeal for the release of six Naga men who were abducted on May 13.
"We once again appeal for the safe release of the six Naga hostages in a reciprocal and humanitarian manner so that they return to their loved ones," Rio said.
He added that he hoped the release of the 14 Kuki hostages would help pave the way for trust, understanding and dialogue as communities work towards peace, reconciliation and harmony.