Nagaland Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio has sought the intervention of the Centre for the safe and early release of six Naga persons who were reportedly abducted in Manipur, while also appealing for restraint and cooperation from all stakeholders to prevent further escalation of tensions.
In a letter addressed to United Naga Council (UNC) president N.G. Lohrii, Rio said he had personally taken up the matter with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and other senior central officials following growing concern among the Naga community over the incident.
According to the chief minister, he spoke to Shah on May 29 and conveyed the anxiety and concern prevailing among Nagas regarding the abduction. Rio said he requested the Union home minister’s personal intervention and urged the Government of India to make every effort to trace the missing persons, secure their release and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
Rio stated that Shah assured him the matter would receive the highest priority and that all necessary steps would be taken by the concerned agencies to locate the abducted persons, identify the perpetrators and take action in accordance with the law.
The chief minister further revealed that he had also spoken to the Union home secretary and the director of the Intelligence Bureau. During the discussions, Rio highlighted the urgency and sensitivity of the situation and sought immediate and coordinated action from all agencies concerned. He said both officials assured him that active efforts were underway to address the matter.
Acknowledging the distress faced by the families of the abducted persons and the wider Naga community, Rio appealed for calm and restraint. He urged all concerned groups and individuals to cooperate with ongoing efforts aimed at ensuring the safe recovery of the abducted persons and maintaining peace in the region.
Rio also appreciated the role being played by the United Naga Council and expressed hope that continued dialogue and coordinated efforts among all stakeholders would help achieve a peaceful resolution at the earliest.
At the same time, the chief minister appealed to the UNC to intervene in the case of 14 Kuki individuals who were reportedly being held by Naga volunteers. He urged the council to facilitate their safe and unconditional release, stressing the importance of protecting innocent lives.
Calling for compassion and reconciliation, Rio said all parties should be guided by Christian values and the Naga tradition of respecting human dignity and safeguarding innocent people during times of conflict.
The chief minister also welcomed an appeal issued by the Christian Forum, a collective of church leaders and faith-based organisations, which called on all sides to reject violence, avoid retaliation and work towards a peaceful settlement of the crisis.
Rio urged the UNC to continue engaging with government authorities and community stakeholders and to extend its full support to efforts aimed at securing the safe release of the six abducted Naga persons. He said cooperation from civil society organisations, church bodies and community leaders would play a crucial role in maintaining communal harmony and preventing any further deterioration of the situation.
