DIPR File Photo
Kohima, May 30 (MExN): Expressing deep concern over the abduction of six Naga community members in Manipur, Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio has disclosed that he personally took up the matter with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, urging the Centre’s intervention for the safe recovery of the abducted persons and action against those responsible.
In a letter addressed to United Naga Council (UNC) President NG Lohrii, Dr Rio confirmed that he spoke to Amit Shah over telephone on May 29, conveying the anguish of the Naga people across the region.
During the conversation, the CM requested the Home Minister’s “personal intervention and urged that all possible efforts be made by the Government of India to trace the abducted persons, bring the perpetrators to justice, and secure the release of the six abducted persons from the Naga community at the earliest.”
In response, Shah assured Dr Rio that the matter would be accorded the highest priority and that all necessary measures would be taken by central agencies to trace the missing individuals and ensure the law takes its course.
Continuing his outreach, the CM also spoke separately to the Union Home Secretary and Director of the Intelligence Bureau, emphasising the urgency and sensitivity of the matter and calling for “immediate and coordinated action.” Both officials assured him that the “matter is being actively pursued.”
In his letter, Dr Rio acknowledged the widespread anxiety and anguish among the families of the abducted persons and the larger Naga community, while appealing for restraint and full cooperation with ongoing efforts to ensure safe recovery and maintain peace and harmony in the region.
In an appeal, the CM urged the UNC to “prevail upon Naga volunteers who are reportedly holding 14 Kuki individuals in their custody and facilitate their safe and unconditional release.” Citing the teachings of Christianity, values of compassion, forgiveness and reconciliation, and the Naga tradition of protecting innocent lives and upholding human dignity, Dr Rio said, “At this critical juncture, it is imperative that we remain guided by these principles.”
He further expressed encouragement over an appeal issued by the Christian Forum, comprising church leaders and faith-based organizations, “which has called upon all parties to uphold the sanctity of human life, reject violence and retaliation, and pursue a peaceful resolution of the present crisis.”
He noted that the Forum’s appeal for the immediate and unconditional release of all innocent persons held by any group resonates with “our shared Christian values and our collective responsibility to preserve peace, justice, and human dignity.”
The CM appreciated the constructive role played by the UNC in the difficult situation and expressed hope that through coordinated efforts and goodwill on all sides, a peaceful resolution can be achieved at the earliest.
He appealed to the UNC “to continue taking up this matter with all concerned authorities and stakeholders and to extend its fullest support towards efforts aimed at securing the safe and early release of the six abducted Naga persons.”
“The collective voice, wisdom and cooperation of Naga civil society organisations, Church bodies and community leaders will greatly strengthen ongoing efforts to resolve this matter peacefully, uphold communal harmony, and prevent any further escalation of tensions,” Dr Rio stated in his letter.
