Rio seeks Centre’s intervention for release of 6 Nagas

Dimapur: Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio held telephonic discussions with Union home minister Amit Shah, the Union home secretary, and the director of the Intelligence Bureau, seeking their urgent intervention to trace and secure the safe release of the six Naga men abducted in Manipur.Rio also urged them to identify those responsible for the abduction and ensure that the law takes its course. He said the matter has been accorded high priority by the concerned authorities.In a letter dated May 30, he apprised United Naga Council (UNC) president NG Lohrii of this development and the efforts being made by the Nagaland govt to secure safe release of the abducted persons, which has caused widespread concern and anguish among Nagas across the region.Rio said he had a telephonic conversation with Amit Shah on May 29 and conveyed the deep concern of the Naga people over the incident.During the discussion, he requested Shah’s personal intervention and urged that all possible efforts be made by the Govt of India to trace the abducted persons, bring the perpetrators to justice, and secure the release of the six at the earliest.Rio said Shah assured him that the matter would be accorded the highest priority and that all necessary measures would be undertaken by the concerned agencies to trace the abducted persons, identify those responsible for the abduction, and ensure that the law takes its course.Rio further said he had also spoken to the Union home secretary and the director of the Intelligence Bureau, impressing upon them the urgency and sensitivity of the matter and requesting immediate and coordinated action by all concerned agencies.“Both have assured me that the matter is being actively pursued,” the letter read.Rio appealed to the UNC to prevail upon the Naga volunteers who are reportedly keeping 14 Kuki individuals in their custody and facilitate their safe and unconditional release.“At this critical juncture, it is imperative that we remain guided by the teachings of Christianity, the values of compassion, forgiveness, and reconciliation, and the long-cherished Naga tradition of protecting innocent lives and upholding human dignity,” Rio said.