State chief minister Neiphiu Rio Thursday sought the intervention of Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi for securing the safe release of two Nagas held hostage by Karbi People’s Liberation Tigers (KPLT) on June 10 from a power project near Diphu, Karbi Anglong.

In an official communiqué, Rio appealed Gogoi that despite the efforts of civil society organizations in Nagaland, there has been no headway in the case and securing the safe release of the two Nagas. He stated that the issue was likely have “repercussions” especially in the border areas.

Stating that until now the whereabouts of the two abductees-- Kelesel Kikhi and Khroviho Kikhi of Viswema village under Kohima district -- were not known, the chief minister said that the situation has created much “apprehension and tension” in the border areas.

Pointing out that the family members of the two Nagas were going through untold “worries and anxiety”, Rio stated that the two were also the sole breadwinners of their families which included wives and young children.

TPO expresses dismay
Tenyimi Peoples’ Organization (TPO) Thursday expressed dismay that KPLT has failed to release the two abducted “Tenyimi brothers” -- Kelesel Kikhi and Khroviho Kikhi.

In a statement, TPO president Keku Zeliang and general secretary Benjamin Lorin said the organization was seriously concerned with the wellbeing of the two Nagas held hostage by KPLT. 

Reminding that Tenyimi and Karbis have being living as “good neighbours” since time immemorial and would continue to do so, TPO said that the abduction should not be allowed to vitiate the peaceful coexistence of the two neighbours.