Senapati (Manipur), June 9 (NNN): After detaining in Senapati district for 27 days, 14 Kukis were released by the Naga organisations on Tuesday.
Following the “abduction of 20 Nagas by the Kukis” on May 13 in Kangpokpi district, the Nagas, as a pressure tactic to ensure the release of the abducted Nagas, detained these Kukis. Though 14 Nagas – women and a child – were released on May 15, six abducted Nagas are still untraced.
Meanwhile, Naga leaders handed these 14 Kuki detainees to the Senapati district administration, who in turn, reached the detainees to their respective places.
Giving the basis for the release of the 14 Kukis, the United Naga Council (UNC) said Nagas are a people with age-old culture passed down through generations who strictly observe war ethics. “Nagas value and uphold the spirit of Christian values and have high respect for international laws on human rights”, it also said.
The UNC also said it acted on the appeals made by the Baptist world community, Naga churches, tribes and organisations, the assurance given by Union Home Minister Amit Shah to Chief Minister of Nagaland Neiphiu Rio that the Ministry of Home Affairs will trace the abducted Naga persons, identify those responsible for the abduction, and ensure that the law takes its course.
UNC further said the state government also appealed for safe release of the detained individuals with the assurance to intensify the ongoing combing operations to establish the status of the Naga hostages and produce them at the earliest.
