Several Kuki Zo bodies express gratitude to all organizations and leaders who took initiatives to facilitate the release of Kuki Zo hostages.

Several Kuki Zo bodies have expressed gratitude to all organizations and leaders who have taken the initiatives to facilitate the release of Kuki Zo hostages.

The Kuki Inpi Manipur extends its sincere gratitude to both the Central Government and the State Government ,the Director General of Police (DGP), Assam Rifles, the United Naga Council, the Naga Students Federation, and all civil society organisations that participated in the meeting held on 7th June in Senapati, which led to the safe release of the 14 hostages abducted on 13th May 2026 while appreciating the coordinated and committed efforts of all concerned in ensuring their safe return.

In a release, the Kuki Inpi Manipur also conveys its heartfelt appreciation to Christian religious leaders from Nagaland and Manipur who took meaningful initiatives to facilitate the release of detainees on both sides in the aftermath of the killing of the three Kuki-Zo pastors.

“At this critical juncture, as a window of hope for peace begins to emerge, we urge all communities to recognise that enough blood has been shed. The time has come to pursue peace and reconciliation, for an "eye for an eye" only makes the whole world blind. As fellow Christians, let us uphold truth, justice, and love above prejudice and suspicion. Even in difficult times, may our words and actions reflect the teachings of Christ and our commitment to the truth” says KIM.

The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) also expresses its sincere gratitude and appreciation to all individuals, organizations, and authorities whose tireless efforts and coordinated interventions led to the safe release of the 14 Kuki-Zo hostages.

KZC stated that the successful outcome was made possible through the collective commitment of numerous stakeholders who worked diligently, to ensure the safety and well-being of those held captive. Their efforts have brought immense relief and joy to the families of the hostages and the entire Kuki-Zo community.

KZC extends its heartfelt appreciation to the Government of Manipur and the Ministry of Home Affairs for their intervention and support throughout the process and conveys gratitude to the Chief Ministers of Nagaland and Meghalaya for their concern and engagement in facilitating a peaceful resolution.

KZC expresses its sincere appreciation to the Director General of Police (DGP), Manipur, the Assam Rifles and all concerned security agencies for their dedicated efforts and commitment throughout the process.

KZC stated that it is equally grateful to the Christian leaders from Nagaland and Manipur whose prayers, moral support, and peace-building initiatives contributed significantly to this positive outcome.

The council also acknowledge the constructive role played by the United Naga Council (UNC) and various Naga Civil Society Organizations , whose cooperation and persistent efforts helped create the conditions necessary for the hostages' release. The Kuki-Zo Council conveys its deepest appreciation to everyone who contributed in any way to securing the safe release of the 14 hostages.


Meanwhile, the Kuki Organisation for Human Rights Trust (KOHUR) welcomed the release as a moment of immense relief for the affected families and the wider Kuki-Zo community.

The organisation expressed gratitude to government agencies, security forces, civil administrators, tribal leaders, community organisations and mediators whose sustained efforts helped secure the captives' unconditional release. KOHUR also renewed its appeal for the protection of civilians and urged all stakeholders to resolve differences through dialogue, mutual respect and peaceful means.

The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) also expressed profound gratitude to the Government of India, the governments of Nagaland and Manipur, church leaders and all stakeholders whose interventions led to the safe release of 14 Kuki-Zo civilians who had been held hostage in Senapati for nearly a month.

The committee thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Manipur Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh for responding to the plight of the Kuki-Zo community and facilitating the safe return of the hostages.

The CoTU also lauded Manipur Deputy Chief Ministers Nemcha Kipgen and Loshi Dikho for their sustained efforts in bridging the trust deficit between tribal communities and helping break the prolonged deadlock that had hindered dialogue.

Acknowledging the role of Christian institutions, the committee extended special gratitude to Baptist churches across the Northeast for consistently preaching forgiveness, reconciliation and peace despite heightened tensions and mistrust between communities.

In a significant appeal for peace, the CoTU noted that the families of the three slain Kuki-Zo church leaders—Rev. Dr. V. Sitlhou, Rev. Kaiggoulen and Pastor Paoggoulen—had chosen forgiveness over vengeance, entrusting justice to God despite the pain of their loss.

Calling upon believers to uphold Christian values and pursue peace, the committee urged all communities to embrace reconciliation and act in accordance with faith, compassion and mutual respect.