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Meghalaya, Nagaland Chief Ministers Seek Immediate Release of 20 Civilians Held in Manipur

  • By Thetripurapost Desk, Guwahati
  • Jun 01, 2026
  • 128

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma (National People's Party, NPP and Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio (Government of Nagaland) have appealed for the immediate release of 20 civilians allegedly being held captive amid the ongoing ethnic tensions in Manipur.

The appeal follows the killing of three church leaders in an ambush on May 13, an incident that has intensified concerns over the security situation in the conflict-affected state.

Conrad Sangma, who also serves as the National President of the National People's Party (NPP), expressed deep concern over the continued detention of 14 Kuki and six Naga civilians from Manipur's Kangpokpi district. In separate communications addressed to the United Naga Council (UNC) and Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), Sangma emphasized that innocent civilians should never become victims of communal or ethnic conflicts.

He stated that the captivity of non-combatants has created immense hardship for families, with women, children, and elderly residents living in fear and uncertainty. According to Sangma, such incidents further widen divisions between communities that have coexisted for generations.

The Meghalaya Chief Minister urged all stakeholders to ensure the safety and well-being of the hostages by providing access to food, healthcare, and communication with their families. He also stressed that peaceful dialogue remains the only sustainable path toward resolving differences.

Sangma said that the release of the captives could serve as a meaningful step toward rebuilding trust and restoring peace in Manipur. He added that the people of the Northeast are closely observing developments and hoping for a humanitarian resolution.

Meanwhile, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio revealed that he had spoken with Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the abduction of six Liangmai Naga community members who are reportedly being held by Kuki groups.

Rio stated that he sought the Union Home Minister's (Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India) direct intervention and requested all possible efforts to trace the missing individuals, secure their safe release, and ensure legal action against those responsible.

According to Rio, Amit Shah assured that the concerned agencies would take necessary measures to locate the abducted persons, identify the perpetrators, and uphold the rule of law.

The Nagaland Chief Minister also held discussions with the Union Home Secretary and the Director of the Intelligence Bureau, highlighting the urgency of the matter and seeking coordinated action from security and intelligence agencies.

At the same time, Rio appealed to the United Naga Council to facilitate the unconditional and safe release of 14 Kuki civilians who are reportedly being held by members of the Naga community.

Earlier, on May 15, security forces successfully coordinated a hostage exchange operation that resulted in the release of 14 Kuki and 14 Naga civilians. Authorities continue to work toward securing the freedom of the remaining captives as efforts to restore peace in Manipur remain ongoing.

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