Imphal, 09 June (HS): In a major breakthrough aimed at reducing tensions between communities in Manipur, 14 Kuki detainees were released on Tuesday through the intervention of the United Naga Council (UNC) and handed over to the Senapati district administration.

A senior UNC functionary said the decision was taken on humanitarian grounds, underscoring the Naga community's commitment to human rights, cultural values and accepted principles of conflict conduct. The release followed a series of appeals from various stakeholders and assurances from authorities regarding efforts to trace six missing Naga hostages.

According to the UNC, assurances conveyed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah through the Nagaland Chief Minister, along with appeals from Christian organisations and the Chief Minister of Meghalaya, played a key role in facilitating the release. The Manipur government has also reportedly informed the council that steps are being taken to determine the fate of the missing Naga hostages.

The hostage crisis stemmed from violence that followed a deadly ambush at Kotlen on May 13. After the incident, 18 Nagas from Konsakhul village in Kangpokpi district were allegedly abducted by Kuki groups at Leilon Vaiphei. In response, Naga groups detained 28 Kuki individuals.

While negotiations over the past weeks resulted in the release of several captives from both sides, six Naga hostages and 14 Kuki detainees had remained in custody. The release of the Kuki detainees on Tuesday came after earlier attempts were delayed due to protests from sections of the Naga community.

The freed detainees were formally handed over to the Senapati district administration and Senapati Police Station. However, concerns persist over the six missing Naga hostages, whose whereabouts remain unknown as efforts continue to secure information about them and ensure their safe return.------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash