Guwahati, June 9 -- Reported by Bhadra Gogoi

Dimapur: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Monday welcomed the release of 14 Kuki hostages and appealed for the safe release of six Naga civilians who remain in captivity, expressing hope that the development would help advance peace and reconciliation efforts in Manipur.

In a social media post, Rio described the release, facilitated by the United Naga Council and Naga civil society organisations, as a humanitarian gesture that reflected respect for human life and human rights.

He said the development could help restore trust, heal divisions and create conditions for lasting peace in Manipur.

Rio also urged the release of the six Naga civilians in a reciprocal and humanitarian manner s...