“On this day, the 9th of June 2026, we the Naga people under the aegis of the United Naga Council issue this statement to tell the world of our desire for justice and peace” stated the statement issued by NG. Lorho, President, UNC
BASIS OF THE RELEASE OF DETAINEES
Nagas are people with age-old culture passed down through generations. Nagas strictly observe war ethics. Nagas value and uphold the spirit of Christian values and have high respect for international laws on human rights.
Acting on the appeals made by the Baptist world community, Naga Churches, Tribes and organisations,
The assurance given by the Union Home Minister of India, Amit Shah to Chief Minister of Nagaland, Dr. Neiphiu Rio that the Ministry of Home Affairs will trace the abducted Naga persons, identify those responsible for the abduction, and ensure that the law takes its course and also,
The appeal of the Government of Manipur for safe release of the detained individual with the assurance to intensify the ongoing combing operations to establish the status of the missing hostages and produce them at the earliest, to track down and arrest all the perpetrators and to strictly enforce the SoO agreed Ground Rules including, rationalisation and relocation of camps.
The appeal for immediate and unconditional release of hostages as a conscious choice of humanity received from the President of the National People’s Party and Honourable Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Mr Conrad K. Sangma.
The United Naga Council and the Naga Peoples’ Organisation Senapati after consulting with all stakeholders intervened for the release of the 14 Kuki detainees under the custody of the Naga Village Guard – Northern Command.
After clearing the deck, we arranged for the unconditional release of 14 Kuki detainees at 2.00 PM of the 1st June, 2026 in the presence and witness of Naga civil societies from across Naga homeland. However due to public sentiments strongly voiced for more extensive consultation on the matter, the release was cancelled for that day. Accordingly an emergency Presidential Council of the UNC was convened on the 6th June, 2026 and with the All Naga Students’ Association Manipur and the Naga Women’s Union in attendance. The matter of justice for the 6 Naga Hostages and release of the Kuki detainees was tabled, deliberated and eventually approved unanimously by the house.
On the 7th June, 2026, the Government of Manipur informed that they are”… fully committed to take up all possible efforts trace out/find out the status of the missing/abducted persons, confirm their exact status and hand over within the next forty-eight(48) hours…”. Necessary arrangement was therefore initiated and the safe release of the 14 Kuki detainees was carried out this evening at 4.00 PM and they were handed over to the Senapati District Administration and Police for an onward reunion with their families.
