Kuki-Zo Council Acknowledges Responsibility for Naga Hostage Killings in Manipur

Kuki-Zo Council's Apology Amid Ongoing Conflict

Imphal, June 25: In a notable turn of events amidst the ongoing strife in Manipur, the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) publicly admitted for the first time that individuals from the Kuki-Zo community were involved in the deaths of six Naga hostages, offering an apology for the incident.

During a press briefing held at the home of KZC chairman Henlienthang Thanglet on Red Cross Road in Churachandpur, the council expressed sorrow over the killings while urging the public not to generalize the actions of a few individuals to the entire Kuki-Zo community.

"I sincerely apologize on behalf of my people for this tragedy," Thanglet stated, referring to the deaths of the six Naga hostages.

He characterized the incident as a serious error made in a moment of heightened emotion following a series of violent confrontations during the conflict.

KZC Chairman Henlienthang Thanglet (second from left) speaks at a press conference at his residence in Churachandpur, on Thursday. (AT Photo)

Simultaneously, he urged against labeling the Kuki-Zo community as "animalistic," "savage," or "wicked," emphasizing that they too have endured significant suffering during the violence.

Thanglet explained that the conflict intensified following an incident involving a Tangkhul youth, which led to the deaths of two Kuki men, the release of 21 individuals previously held captive by the Kuki side, and an ambush that resulted in the deaths of three pastors and injuries to four others.

He asserted that these events fueled emotions that ultimately led to the tragic killing of the six Naga hostages.

Additionally, Thanglet pointed out the deteriorating humanitarian situation in various Kuki-Zo villages, including Chassad, Paicop, and Aishi in Ukhrul district.

He claimed that residents are facing severe shortages of food, medicine, and other essential supplies due to local Tangkhul Naga communities allegedly refusing to sell goods to them, forcing villagers to depend on limited government aid.

He called on both the central and Manipur state governments for immediate action to ensure the delivery of rice, pulses, cooking oil, medicines, and other vital items to the affected areas.

Thanglet also highlighted shortages in the Leilon and Kotlen regions, stating that he had raised these concerns with Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla.

KZC spokesperson Ginza Vualzong mentioned that the council organized the press conference to bring attention to a series of developments that have diminished the Kuki-Zo community's trust in the administration and security forces.

He emphasized that restoring public confidence necessitates impartial law enforcement, accountability, and equal protection for all communities impacted by the conflict.

The council presented five key demands to the central and state governments, including a fair investigation into all violent incidents, such as the killings of the six Naga hostages, the alleged deaths of 14 Kuki-Zo civilians, and the destruction of Kuki-Zo villages.

They also called for action against militant groups they allege have attacked civilians, including the NSCN-IM and ZUF-K, and requested investigations into locations believed to be harboring perpetrators.

Furthermore, the KZC urged an end to what they termed selective security operations, the reopening of blocked routes in Naga-dominated areas to facilitate the uninterrupted flow of essential supplies, and enhanced administrative accountability to restore public trust and safeguard vulnerable villages, regardless of ethnicity.

The casualty figures, sequence of events, allegations against militant groups, and claims regarding blocked routes and denial of essential supplies were presented by the Kuki-Zo Council during the press conference and have not been independently verified.