Imphal (Manipur), June 25: The Kuki-Zo Council publicly apologized Thursday for the killing of six Naga hostages in Kangpokpi district, calling it a “grave mistake” done out of emotion and seeking an impartial investigation into all violence tied to Manipur’s ethnic strife.
KZC Chairman Henlianthang Thanglet said at Churachandpur that the killings were “tragic and unacceptable” and had no sanction from Kuki-Zo political or community leadership. He urged authorities to identify those responsible and ensure justice through a fair and transparent probe.
The incident follows a chain of hostage crises that began after three church leaders were killed and four others injured in Kangpokpi on May 13. At least 50 people from Kuki and Naga communities were subsequently held by armed groups in Kangpokpi and Senapati districts. Around 30 were freed on May 14 and 15. The United Naga Council and Naga People’s Organisation released 14 Kuki villagers to police in Senapati on June 10. The next day, bodies of six Naga hostages were recovered near Kharam Vaiphei village in Saitu-Gamphazol.
The Kuki-Zo Council said 14 Kuki-Zo civilians, including three pastors, have been killed since March 11 in separate incidents allegedly involving NSCN-IM and Zeliangrong United Front (Kamson). It added that more than 45 houses in eight Kuki-Zo villages were burnt in the same period. The Council pointed out that Kuki-Zo groups had earlier released 21 Naga hostages as a goodwill gesture after seven Kuki-Zo individuals were abducted on March 10.
“Both communities have shown restraint at critical moments. Justice must be applied equally,” the Council said, warning that selective investigation would deepen mistrust. It also criticized security operations that it said were intimidating Kuki-Zo villagers.
Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh has handed over the Naga killings and the May 13 church leader murders to the NIA. Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, and several organizations have condemned the killings and demanded justice.
