IMPHAL, MAY 18: The United Naga Council (UNC) on Sunday strongly rejected allegations linking Naga groups to the killing of three Thadou church leaders in Kangpokpi district on May 13 and claimed that available facts pointed instead towards an “intra-fold” conflict involving Kuki groups, Newmai News Network report stated.
In a lengthy statement, UNC said the “non-involvement of non-Kuki armed group(s) in the killing spree is beyond any doubt,” and alleged that the circumstances surrounding the incident “virtually unmask Kuki involvement in the killing.”
The council said the killings had been condemned by Naga civil society organisations and Naga national groups across Nagalim, describing the slain church leaders as “noble warriors of peace and understanding.”
Questioning allegations made by Kuki organisations, UNC claimed that the statement issued by Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) shortly after the ambush, naming ZUF-Kamson and NSCN (I-M), raised suspicion. “The speed and certainty of the release indicate prior knowledge,” UNC alleged, pointing out that the KIM statement reportedly carried the date “6/5/2026”, seven days before the actual incident.
“It is therefore understood that the KIM condemnation letter was drafted well in advance and released almost immediately after the gruesome murder,” UNC alleged, while asking KIM to furnish “concrete proof” regarding the alleged involvement of Naga groups.
United Naga Council also criticised the response of security forces, including the Army, alleging that despite the proximity of security establishments near the area, the hostages were not rescued immediately after the incident.
“We are dissatisfied with the security arrangement for vulnerable Naga areas, which appear discriminatory and inadequate,” it stated.
The council further urged the Centre and the Manipur government to disarm Kuki militant groups under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement and confine them to designated camps.
Referring to a statement issued by Thadou Inpi Manipur (TIM), United Naga Council highlighted the long-standing dispute over the “Kuki” and “Thadou” identity issue and alleged that leaders asserting a distinct Thadou identity had increasingly come under attack.
The council claimed that slain church leader Rev. Dr. Vumthang Sitlhou had openly rejected the “Kuki-Zo” political identity and had opposed the May 9 “Kuki-Zo Flag” event.
According to UNC, the area where the ambush took place was dominated by Kuki militant groups, making infiltration by non-Kuki armed groups “impossible.”
“The truth will prevail and the poisonous fangs of lies and deceit will inevitably meet their deserving ends,” UNC added.
Tuesday, May 19, 2026