Kuki detainees before they were released_Photo courtesy NNN
Senapati, June 9 (MExN): The United Naga Council (UNC) on Tuesday (June 9) released 14 Kuki detainees who had been held under the custody of the Naga Village Guard - Northern Command, handing them over to the Senapati District Administration and Police at 4:00 PM for reunion with their families.
The release came after weeks of appeals from church bodies, tribal organisations, state governments and national political leaders and follows a unanimous resolution passed by the UNC’s Presidential Council on June 6, 2026.
The Government of Manipur, in a communication dated June 7, 2026, confirmed it was “fully committed to take up all possible efforts to 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.” This assurance, alongside similar commitments from the Union Home Ministry and the Government of Meghalaya, was cited by the UNC as a key factor enabling the release.
The Union Home Minister Amit Shah had earlier assured Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio that the Ministry of Home Affairs would trace the abducted Naga persons, identify those responsible, and ensure the law takes its course.
The Government of Manipur also pledged to intensify ongoing combing operations, “to track down and arrest all perpetrators and to strictly enforce the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreed Ground Rules, including the rationalisation and relocation of camps.”
An initial attempt to release the detainees had been scheduled for 2:00 PM on June 1, 2026, in the presence of Naga civil societies from across the Naga homeland. However, the release was cancelled that day following strong public sentiment calling for “more extensive consultation on the matter.”
An emergency Presidential Council of the UNC was convened on June 6, attended by the All Naga Students’ Association Manipur and the Naga Women’s Union. “The matter of release of the Kuki detainees was tabled, deliberated and eventually approved unanimously by the house.”
The decision to release was also shaped by appeals from the Baptist world community, Naga churches, tribes and organisations. Conrad K Sangma, President of National People’s Party and Chief Minister of Meghalaya, had called for the “immediate and unconditional release of hostages as a conscious choice of humanity.”
The UNC and the Naga Peoples’ Organisation Senapati intervened in the matter after consulting with all stakeholders.
In its public statement, the UNC invoked the cultural and moral foundations of the Naga people, stating that ‘Nagas strictly observe war ethics, uphold Christian values and hold high respect for international human rights law.’ The statement was signed by NG Lorho, President of UNC.
The Manipur Police confirmed the release of 14 Kuki individuals following due legal procedures. The individuals were handed over to Senapati police and district administration by civil society organisations (CSOs) of Senapati district, the state police posted on its X account.
Upon receipt, authorities completed all necessary formalities, including verification and medical examination. Adequate security arrangements were made, and the route was secured to ensure safe transportation to Taphou Kuki Village.
The individuals were handed over to the chief of Taphou Kuki Village through a formal memorandum. The police said the entire process was conducted peacefully in coordination with all stakeholders.
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