Kohima, June 10 — Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio on Wednesday condemned in the strongest terms the killing of six Naga individuals in Manipur, calling the act “barbaric and reprehensible” and urging the Government of India and the Manipur government to take urgent action to bring the perpetrators to justice. The incident, he said in a statement, occurred after Naga people had peacefully facilitated the safe release of all 14 hostages who had been in their custody.
“This barbaric and reprehensible act represents a complete disregard for the sanctity of human life and the most fundamental principles of humanity. It is an atrocity that deserves the strongest possible condemnation,” Dr Rio said.
According to the chief minister, the release of the 14 hostages was carried out in the “true Christian spirit” and in keeping with the age-old traditions of the Naga people, following appeals from church organisations led by the Baptist World Alliance. He added that he had personally consulted representatives of Naga civil society and appealed for the hostages’ release “in accordance with our faith, our values and our collective commitment to humanity.”
Dr Rio said that despite tremendous pressure, Naga communities under the leadership of the United Naga Council and other apex organisations chose restraint, compassion and peace. “Our sincere appeal was for the reciprocal and safe release of the six Naga hostages who were being held by the Kuki community. Tragically and heartbreakingly, they have instead been brutally murdered,” he added.
The chief minister appealed to the central and state governments to ensure that those responsible are identified, apprehended and prosecuted. “Those responsible for this heinous crime must be identified, apprehended and prosecuted under the fullest extent of the law. Accountability is essential. Only through a fair, transparent and credible process can a measure of confidence be restored among the people,” he said.
He urged authorities to take concrete and impartial measures to protect all communities and warned that erosion of public trust would only worsen an already fragile situation. Dr Rio also called on citizens, especially Naga brothers and sisters across Manipur, Nagaland, the wider Northeast and Myanmar, to remain calm and steadfast. “Let us not allow grief, anger and pain to lead us down the path of violence and hatred. Let us instead draw strength from our faith and seek God’s wisdom and guidance through prayer,” he said.
Conveying his deepest condolences to the bereaved families, Dr Rio concluded: “Even in the midst of tragedy, let us not lose hope. Let us place our faith and trust in the Almighty God and seek strength from our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”
Original Source: https://www.morungexpress.com/nagaland-cm-urges-centre-to-ensure-justice
Category: Nagaland
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Publish Date: 2026-06-11 00:31:00
