Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma appealed for the immediate release of all hostages and called for their safety, medical care, food, and communication with families.
GUWAHATI The Chief Ministers of Meghalaya and Nagaland have sought the early release of 20 civilians—14 Kukis and six Nagas—allegedly held hostage by armed groups in Manipur after three church leaders were killed in an ambush on May 13.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said he, as the national president of the National People’s Party and “a fellow citizen and Christian”, was deeply pained by the continued captivity of the villagers from Manipur’s Kangpokpi district.
“The abduction of civilians, who have no role in any conflict, inflicts unbearable pain and deepens divisions within our society. Mothers, children, and elders are living in fear and uncertainty. Such acts only widen the gap between communities that have lived together for generations,” he wrote in a letter addressed to the United Naga Council (UNC) and the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM).
The UNC and KIM are apex social bodies of the Nagas and Kukis of Manipur, respectively. The two communities are involved in the conflict that started with a brawl in February.
Mr. Sangma appealed for the immediate release of all hostages and called for their safety, medical care, food, and communication with families. He urged all parties to pursue dialogue rather than violence.
“…Let this act of compassion mark the beginning of healing for Manipur. The people of the Northeast are watching, and history will remember those who choose humanity in times of conflict,” he said.
In a letter to the UNC, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said that he had a telephonic conversation with Union Home Minister Amit Shah to convey the “deep concern” of the Nagas over the abduction of the six community members in Manipur. The six, allegedly held captives by Kuki groups, are Liangmai Nagas.
“I requested his (Mr. Shah’s) personal intervention and urged that all possible efforts be made by the Government of India to trace the six abducted persons, secure their release and bring the perpetrators to justice,” he wrote.
Mr. Rio said Mr. Shah assured him that all necessary measures would be taken by the agencies concerned to trace the abducted persons, identify those responsible for the abduction, and ensure that the law takes its course.
He also said that he spoke with the Union Home Secretary and the Director of the Intelligence Bureau, citing the urgency and sensitivity of the matter and requesting immediate and coordinated action by all agencies concerned.
The Nagaland Chief Minister further urged the UNC to prevail upon the Nagas who have allegedly kept 14 Kuki civilians in their custody, and facilitate their safe and unconditional return.
On May 15, the security forces facilitated a hostage-for-hostage exchange to help secure the release of 14 Kukis and 14 Nagas.
Published – June 01, 2026 02:29 pm IST
