Nagaland Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio has said the he had sought the intervention of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and other senior central officials for the safe and early release of the six Naga persons abducted in Manipur.
In a letter addressed to United Naga Council (UNC) president, N.G. Lohrii, Rio said he had spoken to Shah on May 29 and conveyed the deep concern of the Nagas over the incident. He said he requested the Union Home Minister’s personal intervention and urged the Government of India to make all possible efforts to trace the abducted persons, bring the perpetrators to justice and secure their release at the earliest.
According to Rio, Shah assured him that the matter would be accorded the highest priority and that all necessary measures would be undertaken by the concerned agencies to trace the abducted persons, identify those responsible and ensure that the law takes its course.
Rio further disclosed that he had also spoken to the Union Home Secretary and the Director of the Intelligence Bureau, impressing upon them the urgency and sensitivity of the matter and requesting immediate and coordinated action by all concerned agencies. He said both officials assured him that the matter was being actively pursued.
Acknowledging the anxiety and anguish faced by the families of the abducted persons and the wider Naga community, Rio appealed to all concerned to exercise restraint and extend full cooperation towards efforts aimed at the safe recovery of the abducted persons and the maintenance of peace and harmony in the region.
He also appreciated the role being played by UNC and expressed hope that, through coordinated efforts and goodwill on all sides, a peaceful resolution could be achieved at the earliest.
In this regard, Rio appealed to the United Naga Council to prevail upon Naga volunteers who were reportedly keeping 14 Kuki individuals in their custody and facilitate their safe and unconditional release.
He said all concerned should remain guided by the teachings of Christianity and the values of compassion, forgiveness and reconciliation, as well as the Naga tradition of protecting innocent lives and upholding human dignity.
The chief minister also welcomed the appeal issued by the Christian Forum, comprising church leaders and faith-based organisations, which called upon all parties to uphold the sanctity of human life, reject violence and retaliation, and pursue a peaceful resolution of the crisis.
Rio urged the UNC to continue engaging with all concerned authorities and stakeholders and extend its fullest support towards efforts to secure the safe and early release of the six abducted Naga persons. He said the collective voice and cooperation of Naga civil society organisations, church bodies and community leaders would strengthen efforts to resolve the matter peacefully, uphold communal harmony and prevent any further escalation of tensions.
Rio seeks Centre’s intervention for release of abducted Naga persons
