Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has welcomed the release of 14 Kuki hostages facilitated by the United Naga Council (UNC) and Naga civil society organisations in Manipur, describing the development as a humanitarian gesture carried out in response to appeals from church bodies.
In a post on X, Rio said, ”I welcome the safe and humane release of the Kuki hostages by the United Naga Council and Naga civil society organisations, in response to the appeal made by Church bodies led by the Baptist World Alliance.”
I welcome the safe and humane release of the Kuki hostages by the United Naga Council and Naga civil society organisations, in response to the appeal made by Church bodies led by the Baptist World Alliance.
— Neiphiu Rio (@Neiphiu_Rio) June 9, 2026
He noted that he had been engaged in discussions with Naga civil society groups over recent weeks in an effort to resolve the hostage situation on humanitarian grounds. ”Over the past weeks, I had several interactions and deliberations with representatives of Naga civil society groups in our collective efforts to resolve the impasse on humanitarian grounds and in the true spirit of Christian values,” he said.
Rio also recalled that he had made a formal appeal for the safe release of the hostages, emphasising compassion and human dignity. ”I had also formally appealed for the safe release of the hostages, guided by compassion, human dignity & the values that define the Naga people,” he stated, adding that the development reflects ”respect for human life, commitment to human rights & belief that even amidst conflict, humanity must prevail.”
Expressing hope for broader peace, the Rio said, ”I sincerely hope this development will contribute to restoring trust, healing divisions & paving the way for lasting peace in Manipur.”
He added that it is a collective aspiration that ”harmony, fraternity and mutual understanding prevail, enabling all communities to move forward together in peace, equality and shared progress.”
Calling the release a moral example, Rio remarked, ”May this act of humanity serve as a reminder that dialogue, compassion and faith remain our most powerful instruments for reconciliation and peace.”
He also renewed his appeal for the release of the remaining six missing Naga men, stating, ”We once again appeal for the safe release of the 6 Naga hostages in a reciprocal & humanitarian manner so that they return to their loved ones.” He expressed hope that the gesture would help build ”trust, understanding & dialogue as we strive for genuine peace, reconciliation & harmony.”