Imphal, June 25 (SocialNews.XYZ) In a significant development amid the ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur, the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), the apex body representing the Kuki-Zo tribal community, on Thursday publicly expressed regret over what it described as a "grave mistake" in the killing of six Naga hostages in Kangpokpi district.
Acknowledging and expressing remorse over the killings, KZC Chairman Henlianthang Thanglet apologised for the incident and called for a fair, transparent and impartial investigation into all acts of violence linked to the continuing ethnic unrest in the state.
At least 50 people from the Kuki and Naga communities were held hostage by different armed groups in Kangpokpi and Senapati districts following the violent incidents of May 13, during which three church leaders were killed and four others injured in Kangpokpi district.
Around 30 individuals from both communities were released on May 14 and May 15 following sustained efforts by the authorities, community leaders, and several civil society organisations.
On June 10, the remaining 14 Kuki villagers were released and handed over to the police at a police station in Senapati district by the United Naga Council (UNC) and the Naga People's Organisation (NPO).
The following day (June 11), the bodies of six Naga hostages were recovered from a forested area near Kharam Vaiphei village, a predominantly Kuki-Zo tribal settlement under the Saitu-Gamphazol Sub-Division of Kangpokpi district.
Addressing the media at Churachandpur district headquarters along with three other leaders on Thursday, the KZC Chairman admitted that the Kuki-Zo people made a grave mistake in killing the six Naga civilians, adding that it was done out of emotion. He strongly condemned it and apologised on behalf of his people.
Describing the incident as "tragic and unacceptable" and stating that it was neither authorised nor approved by any Kuki-Zo political or community leadership, the veteran tribal leader demanded that those responsible be identified and brought to justice through a fair, transparent and impartial investigation.
In a statement, the Kuki-Zo Council said that it was equally concerned that the killing of 14 innocent Kuki-Zo civilians in separate incidents since March 11, 2026, including three pastors, allegedly by suspected NSCN-IM and its proxy outfit, the Zeliangrong United Front (Kamson) (ZUF-K), had not received the same level of attention, urgency and investigative focus from the authorities.
The Council also alleged that more than 45 houses in eight Kuki-Zo villages were burnt down during attacks attributed to the same militant groups during the same period.
The KZC further recalled that following the abduction of seven Kuki-Zo individuals on March 10, 2026, a total of 21 Naga hostages held by Kuki-Zo groups were released as a gesture of goodwill. Likewise, the Council appreciated the recent release of 14 Kuki-Zo hostages by the United Naga Council.
The KZC said in its statement that these incidents demonstrate that both communities have shown restraint and goodwill at critical moments, and added that justice must be applied equally to all victims, regardless of ethnicity or community. It said selective investigation and selective outrage will only deepen mistrust and make reconciliation more difficult.
Alleging selective security operations and harassment of villagers, the Council strongly condemned what it described as the continued intimidation, harassment and fear experienced by innocent Kuki-Zo villagers during search and cordon operations conducted by security forces in various areas.
Meanwhile, Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh had earlier stated that the cases relating to the abduction and killing of the six Naga villagers, along with the murder of three church leaders in Kangpokpi district on May 13, had already been handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for a comprehensive investigation.
The killings of the six Naga villagers have drawn widespread condemnation from political leaders, civil society groups and community organisations across the Northeast.
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, who belongs to the Thadou tribe, a constituent of the broader Kuki-Zo community in Manipur, along with numerous prominent individuals and more than a dozen organisations, have strongly condemned the killings and demanded justice for the victims.
Source: IANS
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