Edited by Kimbawinu Vaiphei, Kukiland Express Desk
Songpi: May 16, 2026
The Kuki Village Volunteer, Sadar Hills, issued an appeal on May 15, 2026, calling on Naga civil society bodies to facilitate the safe and earliest release of remaining hostages, citing the Kuki community’s own release of 20 hostages in March as a humanitarian gesture. The group said uncertainty, fear, and deep concern continue to prevail across hill districts, making compassion and collective responsibility urgent to preserve peace and brotherhood among tribal communities.
According to the appeal, on March 12 the Kuki community in Ukhrul safely released 20 hostages at Shangkai Village after considering appeals from Naga civil society organisations including the United Naga Council (UNC) and Naga People’s Organisation (NPO). The release was undertaken on humanitarian grounds and for the restoration of peace among fellow tribal Christian brethren, the statement said, despite the loss of two Kuki lives.
The Kuki Village Volunteer described the March 12 release as an “act of grace, restraint, and goodwill” that testifies to the Kuki community’s commitment to peace, reconciliation, and mutual respect among all tribal communities. It noted that the gesture was made in the larger interest of peace.
In the same Christian spirit, the group said it is now “crucial and earnestly expected” that Naga brethren bodies, including the UNC, NPO, SDSA, and others, recall the humanitarian gesture and sincere peace efforts extended by the Kuki community. It humbly appealed to them to reciprocate by facilitating the safe and earliest possible release of the remaining hostages.
The appeal urged that pain, anger, or division not be allowed to overshadow shared faith, common humanity, and the sacred bond held as tribal Christian brethren. It called for walking the path of peace, forgiveness, and understanding so that harmony may prevail and future generations may inherit unity instead of conflict.
The statement ended with “May peace, justice, and Christian brotherhood guide us all.” It was issued by the Information & Publicity Department, Kuki Village Volunteer, Sadar Hills, under the motto “Hat inlang Hang in.”
