The Naga Village Guard -Northern Command (NVG-NC) on Friday issued an ultimatum for the safe release of Naga hostages held by Kuki militants. Failure to comply with the ultimatum, the NVG-NC would be compelled to cease safeguarding the well-being of the detainees.
The statement issued by the Publicity Wing of NVG-NC stated that “it is hereby univocally placed on record that 20 innocent Naga civilians were forcibly abducted and taken hostages on May 13, 2026 by Kuki Refugee Militants while traveling alongside their families.
“Through Humanitarian consideration and coordinated understanding, 17 Kuki Civilians were subsequently released (of which 14 each were exchanged while 3 of them were released on humanitarian ground). However, six (6) Naga Civilians still remain unaccounted for. Thus far, no credible clarification regarding their whereabouts or condition has been furnished.
“Despite repeated appeals, maximum restraint, and responsible conduct exercised by NVG-NC in particular and the Naga people in general, continued denial, delay, and contradictory statements from the Kuki refugees through individuals/ groups or their half-baked organisations have only aggravated public anger and concern.
“Therefore, the NVG-NC hereby issues this ultimatum demanding for an immediate, unconditional and safe release of the six (6) Naga Hostages.
“Failure to comply with this ultimatum, the NVG-NC shall be compelled to cease safeguarding the well-being of the detainees and transfer all detainees presently under our custody to Naga Village Guard-Western Command (NVG-WC) for further custody and action as deemed appropriate under their command authority
“Upon transfer, the NVG-NC shall bear no responsibility for any subsequent development or consequences arising out of the continued illegal detention of six Naga Civilians. Responsibility shall rest entirely upon those refusing to ensure their safe release.
*Make no mistake that the Naga people have exercised enough patience, enough restrain and enough humanity. Our restraints must never be taken for weakness nor our silence our surrender.
“The NVG-NC further caution that no individuals, civil society organisation, religious institution or external group should attempt to obstruct, dilute or interfere with this ultimatum through emotional appeals, selective narratives or misplaced moral posturing while six innocent Naga Civilians continues to remain unaccounted for.
“The prevailing public sentiment arising out of the continued detention of the six Naga hostages cannot and shall not be ignored any longer. NVG-NC shall proceed in accordance with the collective sentiments, safety, concerns and dignity of the Naga People” stated the statement issued by Publicity Wing, NVG-NC.
