Naga body issues words of caution, calls for reciprocal release of six hostages
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 01 2026: Kuki individuals who are reportedly being detained must not be released until verifiable proof of life of the 6 Naga hostages is produced and a reciprocal, simultaneous exchange is guaranteed, said Khanuithot-Khon in a statement.

The release of Kuki individuals without accountability would be a betrayal of the six missing Nagas.

"The blood of our brothers and the tears of their families cannot be treated as a political footnote.

The Naga youth are watching, and we will not allow the pursuit of justice to be abandoned before it is achieved," said Khanuithot -Khon.

Despite repeated appeals, intense public pressure, and categorical demands from various Naga organizations, the fate and whereabouts of the six Naga men, including Church leaders Rev Dr Manu Thiumai and Pastor Kenpibou remain entirely unknown, it said.

At a time when there is no publicly verified proof of life, no credible assurance regarding their safety, and no satisfactory explanation concerning their whereabouts, reports that the remaining Kuki detainees are being released under pressure from any organization or Government raise serious concerns and deep anger among the Naga youth, it said.

The fundamental question remains completely unanswered: What guarantee exists that the six missing Naga civilians are alive, safe, or will be returned ? Khanuithot-Khon asked.

"The lives of six Naga civilians cannot be reduced to a matter of speculation, assumption, goodwill, or political expediency.

Entering into this lopsided, unconditional arrangement and releasing detainees without obtaining verifiable information regarding the fate of our six missing men carries enormous consequences.

It represents a catastrophic strategic failure that risks permanently weakening the collective position of the Naga people in seeking truth, accountability, and justice," it added.

Any decision taken to conclude, dilute, or abandon efforts to secure the safe return of the six missing Naga civilians must be accompanied by full transparency and accountability to the Naga public, it said. "The people have an absolute right to know: What concrete assurances have been received ? What evidence exists regarding the condition and whereabouts of the six missing men ? What mechanisms have been put in place to ensure their return ? What contingency plans exist should they fail to return? If such questions remain unanswered, then the profound concerns of the public are both legitimate and justified," it added.

"Let this statement serve as a definitive warning to the executive body of the United Naga Council (UNC) and every individual leader involved in brokering this compromised deal.

Any adverse consequences arising from decisions taken without adequate safeguards, transparency, or accountability shall rest squarely and personally upon those individuals and organizations who authorized, endorsed, or facilitated such decisions.

The blood of the 6 Nagas shall be upon the hands of the UNC leaders," it added.

"Khanuithot-Khon calls upon the sub-zonal bodies, student organizations, and the entirety of the Naga youth to stand united, reject any orders that weaken our regional security, and demand a leadership that is courageous, independent, and unyielding in the face of external pressure," it said.

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