United Naga Council Seeks Union Home Minister’s Intervention for Release of 6 Naga Hostages

The United Naga Council has sought the personal intervention of Union Home Minister Amit Shah for the release of six Naga hostages allegedly held by Kuki National Front-P (KNF-P) and Leilon Vaiphei village authorities, in order to de-escalate the grave and rapidly worsening situation in the state.

In a letter to the Union Home Minister through the Deputy Commissioner of Senapati district, UNC stated that, “It is an established fact, corroborated by eyewitnesses present at the scene, that the remaining six Naga hostages, including two pastors, are still in Kuki custody.”

The Naga body stated that the abduction of 18 innocent Nagas, including men, women, and married couples, who were taken hostage in broad daylight, occurred at Leilon Vaiphei village on May 13 between 10:30 a.m. and 10:50 a.m. Twelve women and an infant hostage were subsequently released on May 15.

UNC claimed that information culled from reliable sources indicates that the six Naga hostages may have been done away with while in the custody of the KNF-P.

“The indecisiveness and inaction of the state government have unduly delayed the resolution of the matter, and it has raised serious concern among the general public as to why the state machinery and Central forces have remained ineffective,” UNC stated.

The Naga body further stated that questions are being raised as to whether this failure can be attributed to the alleged interference of Mrs. Nemcha Kipgen, wife of KNF-P supremo Thangbal Kipgen, who currently holds the post of Deputy Chief Minister in the state.

UNC urged the Union Home Minister to intervene and ensure the handing over of the Naga hostages, dead or alive, without further delay.