What guarantee exists that the six missing Naga civilians are alive, safe, or will be returned? What concrete assurances have been received? What evidence exists regarding the condition and whereabouts of the six missing men? Khanuithot-Khon has demanded that the UNC should immediately halt any further execution of this unconditional release of Kuki hostages until verifiable proof of life for the 6 Naga hostages is produced and a reciprocal, simultaneous exchange is guaranteed.
The statement issued by the Information & Media Cell Khanuithot-Khon –Voice of the Naga Youth stated that “We, the Khanuithot-Khon Voice of The Naga Youth, and general public have been following with grave concern the developments surrounding the six missing Naga civilians who were abducted during the recent crisis. Despite repeated appeals, intense public pressure, and categorical demands from various Naga organizations, the fate and whereabouts of the six men; including respected church leaders Rev. Dr. Manu Thiumai and Pastor Kenpibou remain entirely unknown.
“At a time when there is no publicly verified proof of life, no credible assurance regarding their safety, and no satisfactory explanation concerning their whereabouts, reports that the remaining Kuki detainees are being released under pressure from any organization or Government raise serious concerns and deep anger among the Naga youth.
“The fundamental question remains completely unanswered: What guarantee exists that the six missing Naga civilians are alive, safe, or will be returned?
“The lives of six Naga civilians cannot be reduced to a matter of speculation, assumption, goodwill, or political expediency. Entering into this lopsided, unconditional arrangement and releasing detainees without obtaining verifiable information regarding the fate of our six missing men carries enormous consequences. It represents a catastrophic strategic failure that risks permanently weakening the collective position of the Naga people in seeking truth, accountability, and justice.”
1. Absolute Accountability for Future Repercussions
Therefore, we place on record that any decision taken to conclude, dilute, or abandon efforts to secure the safe return of the six missing Naga civilians must be accompanied by full transparency and accountability to the Naga public. The people have an absolute right to know:
What concrete assurances have been received?
What evidence exists regarding the condition and whereabouts of the six missing men?
What mechanisms have been put in place to ensure their return?
What contingency plans exist should they fail to return?
If such questions remain unanswered, then the profound concerns of the public are both legitimate and justified.
The statement further added ‘let this statement serve as a definitive warning to the executive body of the United Naga Council (UNC) and every individual leader involved in brokering this compromised deal. Any adverse consequences arising from decisions taken without adequate safeguards, transparency, or accountability shall rest squarely and personally upon those individuals and organizations who authorized, endorsed, or facilitated such decisions. The blood of the 6 Nagas shall be upon the hands of the UNC leaders.
“At this critical moment, leadership demands caution, prudence, and an unwavering commitment to the safety of our people. The six missing Naga civilians must not be forgotten, abandoned, or sacrificed for the sake of political comfort or convenience.”
2. Reaffirming the Distinct Boundaries of Civil Leadership
Furthermore, this crisis has made it increasingly important to reaffirm the distinct roles and responsibilities of civil society leadership, be it UNC or any other Tribal/Zonal Organizations. Civil society organizations are entrusted with representing the people, administering community affairs, maintaining social order, and safeguarding public interests. Their primary role is strictly that of civil administration and public representation.
Refrain from Frontline Command: Leaders of civil society organizations should therefore refrain from directly commanding, leading, or involving themselves in village guard units, volunteer forces, armed groups, or frontline operational activities.
Prevent Conflict of Interest: The concentration of civil authority and operational military responsibilities in the same individuals creates severe conflicts of interest, weakens accountability, compromises tactical effectiveness, and severely undermines public confidence in the neutrality and integrity of civil institutions.
Focus on the Mandate: Civil society leaders must remain independent, impartial, and focused on their mandated responsibilities as custodians of the people’s welfare. Their duty is to guide, represent, and negotiate from a position of institutional strength-not to overstep their boundaries by trying to act as frontline warriors or treating the lives of our frontline volunteers and hostages as bargaining chips in failed administrative games.
Our Ultimatum
We demand that the UNC immediately halt any further execution of this unconditional release until verifiable proof of life for the 6 Naga hostages is produced and a reciprocal, simultaneous exchange is guaranteed.
Khanuithot-Khon calls upon the sub-zonal bodies, student organizations, and the entirety of the Naga youth to stand united, reject any orders that weaken our regional security, and demand a leadership that is courageous, independent, and unyielding in the face of external pressure.
“The blood of our brothers and the tears of their families cannot be treated as a political footnote. The Naga youth are watching, and we will not allow the pursuit of justice to be abandoned before it is achieved” added the statement issued by the Info & Media Cell Khanuithot-Khon Voice of the Naga Youth
