Meghalaya CM calls for release of abducted Naga, Kuki civilians

IMPHAL — Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has appealed for the immediate and unconditional release of six Naga and 14 Kuki civilians who are allegedly being held hostage in Kangpokpi and Senapati districts following the killing of three Thadou church leaders in Kangpokpi district on May 13.

In an appeal addressed to the presidents of Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) and the United Naga Council (UNC) on Monday, Sangma appealed to “release all hostages immediately and unconditionally. Human life must transcend all differences. Every day of captivity adds to the trauma of families and communities.”

The KIM is the apex body of the Kuki community while UNC is the apex body of the Naga community in Manipur.

According to the appeal, the chief minister stated that the abduction of civilians who have no role in any conflict inflicts unbearable pain and deepens divisions within society.

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Sangma, who is also president of the National People's Party (NPP), urged those holding the civilians to ensure their safety, provide food and medical care, and facilitate communication with family members until their safe release.

Urging all sides to choose dialogue over violence, he wrote, “The challenges of Manipur can only be resolved through talks, not through abduction and fear. The youth of all communities deserve a future of peace, education, and opportunity.”