DIMAPUR: Naga National Council/Federal Government of Nagaland (NNC/FGN), under the leadership of Zhopra Vero, has expressed anguish and strongly condemned the resurgence of ethnic violence that has engulfed Ukhrul and Kangpokpi districts since the early months of 2026.
In a press note, Ministry of Rali Wali Affairs, denounced the senseless killings of village volunteers, church leaders and innocent civilians, as well as the destruction of homes and property, describing the acts as a grave assault on human dignity and a betrayal of peaceful coexistence. The organisation said the loss reverberated across the North East and beyond.
It specifically condemned the killings reported in Litan-Sareikhong, Mullam and Shongphal, the ambush and killing of three Thadou Baptist leaders—Rev. Vunthang Sitlou, Rev. Kaigoullun and pastor Paogoulen—on May 13 in Kangpokpi district, and the abduction and killing of six Naga hostages, namely Pr. Kenpibou, Rev. Manu, Phenrongwibou, Phenrilungbou, Dilip and Kaliwangbou. The burning of homes affecting countless victims was also termed morally indefensible and politically reckless.
Calling upon all armed groups and individuals to cease hostilities, NNC/FGN urged both Nagas and Kukis to exercise restraint and avoid reprisal, warning that cycles of retaliation only imperil decades of peace-building and reconciliation efforts.
Reaffirming its commitment to lasting peace and harmonious relations with neighbours, NNC/FGN cautioned against any distortion of historical truth regarding Naga ancestral lands, stating that such attempts would be met with firm opposition. It asserted that imposed boundaries would not deter the Naga people from uniting with resolve and solidarity.
The organisation affirmed that any assault on a single Naga, driven by political motives, was an assault on the entire Naga nation and would be met with a decisive response. It appealed for wisdom and sanity to prevail and called for healing to begin in Southern Nagaland.
Sunday, May 24, 2026