Kuki-Zo Volunteer Issues Strong Appeal to Naga Civil Society for Immediate Release of Remaining Hostages, Invokes March 12 Humanitarian Gesture

In a strongly worded yet emotionally charged appeal amid growing uncertainty and fear across Manipur’s hill districts, the Kuki-Zo Village Volunteer, Sadar Hills called upon Naga civil society organisations to urgently facilitate the safe and immediate release of the remaining hostages, invoking what it described as the Kuki community’s “extraordinary humanitarian restraint” shown earlier this year.

In its appeal the Kuki-Zo body said the prevailing atmosphere of anxiety and insecurity among tribal communities has made it imperative for all sides to uphold compassion, Christian brotherhood and collective responsibility over hostility and division.

Recalling the events of March 12, the organisation said the Kuki community in Ukhrul, despite suffering the loss of two of its own members, chose the path of peace by safely releasing 20 hostages at Shangkai Village after considering repeated appeals from prominent Naga civil society organisations, including the United Naga Council (UNC), Naga People’s Organisation (NPO), and others.

Describing the move as a “noble gesture rooted in humanitarian concern and peace,” the body said the release was not merely an act of goodwill but a profound demonstration of the Kuki community’s commitment to reconciliation, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence among tribal Christian brethren.

The appeal pointedly urged Naga bodies such as UNC, NPO, SDSA and other stakeholders to remember this act of grace and reciprocate in the same spirit by ensuring the earliest possible release of those still in captivity.

“The Kuki community has already demonstrated that even in the face of grief and sacrifice, peace can prevail over vengeance. It is now time for our Naga brethren to respond with equal sincerity,” the statement asserted.

Warning against allowing pain, anger and tribal divisions to overshadow shared faith and humanity, the Kuki-Zo Village Volunteer said the hills stand at a critical crossroads where the choice between peace and prolonged conflict will determine the future of coming generations.

Framing the issue not merely as a political or ethnic crisis but as a moral and spiritual test for tribal unity, the organisation called on all Christian tribal communities to choose forgiveness, justice and brotherhood over bloodshed.

“Let harmony prevail in our hills, so that our future generations inherit unity instead of conflict,” the appeal stated, concluding with a call for peace, justice and Christian solidarity to guide all communities forward.