Manipur Violence – Kuki-Zo Council Clarifies Chairman’s Remarks on Naga Killings
Manipur Violence – The Kuki-Zo Council has clarified that its chairman’s recent remarks were intended solely as an expression of compassion and should not be interpreted as an admission of collective responsibility for the killing of six Naga civilians in Manipur.
The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) has issued a clarification after comments made by its chairman, Henlienthang Thanglet, regarding the killing of six Naga civilians triggered strong reactions across Manipur. The organisation said the chairman’s statement reflected humanitarian concern for the victims’ families and was never meant to suggest that the entire Kuki-Zo community was responsible for the crime. The clarification came amid growing criticism from several organisations, including prominent Naga and Zomi student bodies.
Council Explains Purpose of Chairman’s Statement
In its latest statement, the KZC said the chairman’s words were guided by empathy, moral responsibility, and compassion for the bereaved families. According to the council, his apology was a gesture of shared human grief rather than an acknowledgment of collective guilt.
The organisation stressed that no political, social, or community institution representing the Kuki-Zo people had authorised, supported, or encouraged the killing of innocent civilians. It further maintained that the identity of those responsible for the murders remains unknown and that only a credible investigation can establish the facts.
Background of the Abduction and Recovery
The six Naga civilians had been abducted on May 13 from Leilon Vaiphei village in Kangpokpi district. Their bodies were recovered on June 10 from an area located near a Kuki-Zo village. The recovery came one day after the release of 14 Kuki individuals who had reportedly been abducted by armed groups in Senapati district nearly a month earlier.
During a press conference held in Churachandpur, Thanglet had publicly condemned the killings and apologised to the victims’ families, describing the incident as a serious mistake committed under emotional circumstances. His remarks later became the subject of widespread debate.
Demand for an Independent Investigation
The KZC reiterated that justice must be delivered through an impartial and transparent investigation rather than assumptions based on the location where the bodies were found. It also called for equal attention to every incident of violence reported during the prolonged ethnic conflict in the state.
According to the council, attacks on Kuki-Zo civilians, destruction of villages, assaults on religious institutions, killings of religious leaders, and all other violent incidents should be investigated fairly. It argued that sustainable peace cannot be achieved through selective justice or unequal enforcement of the law.
Naga Students Reject the Apology
The clarification followed a sharp response from the All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM), which expressed strong dissatisfaction with the chairman’s earlier apology. The organisation rejected the statement and condemned the brutal killing of the six abducted Naga civilians, demanding accountability for those responsible.
Zomi Students Distance Themselves from KZC
Separately, the Zomi Students’ Federation General Headquarters announced that it does not recognise or endorse the Kuki-Zo Council or any of its official statements. The federation said attempts to project the organisation as representing multiple tribal communities were misleading and did not reflect its position.
Although Kukis and Zomis share certain ethnic links, they remain distinct tribal communities with separate social and organisational identities.
Conflict Continues to Shape Manipur
Manipur has remained deeply affected by ethnic violence since May 2023, with repeated clashes between Meitei and Kuki communities resulting in more than 260 deaths and the displacement of thousands of residents.
The Meitei community forms the majority population in the Imphal Valley, while tribal groups, including Nagas and Kukis, mainly inhabit the surrounding hill districts. Following prolonged unrest, President’s Rule was imposed in February 2025 after the resignation of then Chief Minister Biren Singh. The central rule was lifted earlier this year before the formation of a new BJP-led government under Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh.