Kohima: Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio has welcomed the safe and humane release of Kuki hostages by the United Naga Council (UNC) and Naga civil society organisations, describing it as a gesture rooted in compassion and respect for human dignity.
In a statement posted on social media, Rio said the release was carried out in response to an appeal made by Church bodies led by the Baptist World Alliance.
The Chief Minister said he had held several interactions and deliberations with representatives of Naga civil society groups over the past few weeks as part of collective efforts to resolve the impasse on humanitarian grounds and in the spirit of Christian values.
Rio said he had also 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,” he said.
Expressing hope that the development would help restore trust and heal divisions, Rio said it could contribute towards paving 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 further said the humanitarian gesture should serve as a reminder that dialogue, compassion and faith remain powerful instruments for reconciliation and peace.
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Rio also renewed the appeal for the safe release of six Naga hostages in a reciprocal and humanitarian manner so that they could return to their families.
He expressed hope that the development would help foster trust, understanding and dialogue as efforts continue towards achieving genuine peace, reconciliation and harmony.
Also Read | Manipur: 14 Kuki hostages released after 27 days in captivity