Reported by Bhadra Gogoi
Dimapur: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has held telephonic discussions with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the Union Home Secretary and the Director of the Intelligence Bureau, seeking urgent intervention to trace and secure the safe release of the six Naga men abducted in Manipur.
Rio also urged the authorities to identify those responsible for the abduction and ensure that the law takes its course. He said the matter has been accorded high priority by the concerned agencies.
In a letter dated May 30 addressed to United Naga Council (UNC) president NG Lohrii, the Chief Minister apprised him of the steps being taken by the Nagaland government to secure the safe release of the abducted persons, an incident that has triggered widespread concern and anguish among Nagas across the region.
Rio said he had spoken to Amit Shah on May 29 and conveyed the deep concern of the Naga people over the incident.
During the conversation, he requested the Union Home Minister’s personal intervention and urged the Government of India to make all possible efforts to trace the abducted persons, bring the perpetrators to justice and secure the release of the six men at the earliest.
According to Rio, Shah assured him that the matter would be treated with the highest priority and that all necessary measures would be undertaken by the concerned agencies to trace the abducted persons, identify those responsible and ensure legal action.
The Nagaland Chief Minister further stated that he had also spoken to the Union Home Secretary and the Director of the Intelligence Bureau, stressing the urgency and sensitivity of the issue and seeking immediate and coordinated action by all agencies concerned.
“Both have assured me that the matter is being actively pursued,” the letter stated.
Rio also appealed to the UNC to prevail upon Naga volunteers who are reportedly keeping 14 Kuki individuals in their custody and facilitate their safe and unconditional release.
“At this critical juncture, it is imperative that we remain guided by the teachings of Christianity, the values of compassion, forgiveness, and reconciliation, and the long-cherished Naga tradition of protecting innocent lives and upholding human dignity,” Rio stated.