IMPHAL, June 9: In a major breakthrough in the ongoing Naga-Kuki hostage crisis, the United Naga Council (UNC) on Tuesday facilitated the release of 14 Kuki hostages, raising fresh hopes for the safe return of six Naga individuals who remain missing.

The hostages were handed over to district administration officials, police and security personnel following consultations among Naga civil society groups, community leaders and government authorities.

Announcing the decision, UNC president Ng Lorho said the release was guided by humanitarian principles and the Naga community’s commitment to human rights and international norms.

“The PAC Council intervened and facilitated the release of the Kuki hostages because Nagas uphold war ethics, international law and human rights,” Lorho told reporters.

He said the move was also influenced by assurances reportedly given by Union Home Minister Amit Shah to Neiphiu Rio that efforts would be made to ascertain the fate of the six missing Naga hostages.

The UNC said appeals from church bodies, tribal organisations, civil society groups and political leaders across the Northeast, including Conrad K. Sangma, also played a role in the decision.

One of the released hostages, Paotinkai Chongloi of Kokhita village, said the group had spent 27 days in Naga custody and had been treated humanely.

“We have learned a great lesson from our Naga brothers. They have been extraordinary to us,” Chongloi said, adding that they were provided food, clothing, blankets and other necessities during their stay.

In an emotional appeal, he urged members of his own community to respond with a similar humanitarian gesture and secure the release of the six missing Nagas.

“I appeal to my people to learn from their kindness and wisdom and release the six Naga hostages unconditionally and on humanitarian grounds,” he said.

The crisis began after six Naga individuals reportedly went missing in the Senapati-Kangpokpi region of Manipur, triggering widespread concern among Naga organisations. In the aftermath, 14 Kuki individuals came under the custody of Naga volunteers and civil society groups, deepening tensions between the two communities.

The issue prompted interventions from church organisations, tribal bodies and political leaders across the Northeast, who repeatedly called for restraint and dialogue.

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has welcomed the safe and humane release of the Kuki hostages by the United Naga Council and Naga civil society organisations, in response to the appeal made by Church bodies led by the Baptist World Alliance

I welcome the safe and humane release of the Kuki hostages by the United Naga Council and Naga civil society organisations, in response to the appeal made by Church bodies led by the Baptist World Alliance.

— Neiphiu Rio (@Neiphiu_Rio) June 9, 2026

Rio also appealed for the safe release of the six missing Naga hostages in a reciprocal and humanitarian manner. “We once again appeal for the safe release of the six Naga hostages so that they can return to their loved ones. We hope this gesture will help pave the way for trust, understanding and dialogue as we strive for genuine peace, reconciliation and harmony,” he said.