Release 20 civilians held hostage, two northeast CMs appeal to Manipur captors

GUWAHATI The chief ministers of Meghalaya and Nagaland have sought the early release of 20 civilians – 14 Kukis and six Nagas – allegedly held hostage by armed groups in Manipur after three church leaders were killed in an ambush on May 13.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said that as the national president of the National People’s Party and “a citizen and a Christian”, he was deeply saddened by the continued captivity of villagers in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district.

“Kidnapping of civilians, who have no role in any conflict, causes unbearable suffering and deepens divisions within our society. Mothers, children and elderly live in fear and uncertainty. Such actions only widen the gap between communities that have lived together for generations,” he said in a letter addressed to the United Naga Council (UNC) and Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM).

UNC and KIM are the supreme social bodies of Nagas and Kukis in Manipur respectively. Two communities are involved in the conflict, which started with a brawl in February.

Mr. Sangma called for the immediate release of all hostages and called for their safety, medical care, food and communication with families. He called on all parties to pursue dialogue instead of violence.

“…Let this act of compassion be the beginning of healing for Manipur. The people of the north-east are watching and history will remember those who chose humanity in times of conflict,” he said.

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, in a letter to the UNC, said he had a telephone conversation with Union Home Minister Amit Shah to convey the Nagas’ “deep concern” over the abduction of six community members in Manipur. The six people allegedly held captive by Kuki groups are Liangmai Nagas.

“I requested his (Mr. Shah’s) personal intervention and appealed to the Government of India to make every possible effort to trace the six abducted persons, secure their release and bring the perpetrators to justice,” he wrote.

Mr Rio said Mr Shah had assured him that all necessary measures would be taken by the relevant agencies to trace the abducted persons, identify those responsible for the abduction and ensure that the law takes its course.

He said he also met the Union Home Minister and Director of Intelligence Bureau and expressed the urgency and sensitivity of the issue and requested urgent and coordinated action from all agencies concerned.

The Nagaland Chief Minister also urged the UNC to prevail against the Nagas who allegedly detained 14 Kuki civilians and facilitate their safe and unconditional return.

On 15 May, security forces facilitated a hostage-for-hostage exchange to ensure the release of 14 Kukis and 14 Nagas.