Reported by Bhadra Gogoi
Dimapur: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Tuesday welcomed the release of 14 Kuki hostages and appealed for the safe release of six Naga civilians who remain in captivity, expressing hope that the development would help advance peace and reconciliation efforts in Manipur.
In a social media post, Rio described the release, facilitated by the United Naga Council and Naga civil society organisations, as a humanitarian gesture that reflected respect for human life and human rights.
He said the development could help restore trust, heal divisions and create conditions for lasting peace in Manipur.
Rio also urged the release of the six Naga civilians in a reciprocal and humanitarian manner so that they could safely return to their families.
The Chief Minister expressed hope that the release of the Kuki hostages would encourage greater trust, understanding and dialogue among communities as efforts continue to achieve peace, reconciliation and harmony in the region.
Referring to discussions held in recent weeks with Naga civil society organisations, Rio said the efforts were aimed at resolving the impasse on humanitarian grounds and in keeping with Christian values.
He added that all communities should work towards harmony, fraternity and mutual understanding, enabling people to move forward together in peace, equality and shared progress.