CHURACHANDPUR, JUN 25 (PTI): Kuki Zo Council (KZC) chairman Henlienthang Thanglet on Thursday apologised for the killing of six Naga civilians during the ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur and called for an impartial investigation into all related incidents of violence.
Addressing a press conference in Churachandpur, Thanglet acknowledged the killings and expressed regret. “The Kuki-Zo people made a grave mistake in killing the six Naga civilians. It was done out of emotion. I strongly condemn it and apologise on behalf of my people,” he said.
KZC spokesperson Ginza Vualzong also urged authorities to conduct fair and independent investigations into all major incidents linked to the conflict, including the deaths of the six Naga hostages, the killing of 14 Kuki civilians and the burning of Kuki villages.
The six Nagas were taken hostage from Leilon Vaiphei village in Kangpokpi district on May 13. Their bodies were recovered on June 10 near a Kuki-Zo village.
Kuki organisations have alleged that 14 members of their community were killed and several houses were destroyed following clashes between Kuki and Naga groups in February.
Vualzong demanded firm action against militant groups accused of targeting civilians, including NSCN-IM and Zeliangrong United Front (Kamson), and called for investigations into locations suspected of sheltering perpetrators.
Alleging that security operations were being conducted selectively in Kuki areas, he urged authorities to enforce the law fairly and without bias. He also sought the reopening of blocked routes in Naga-dominated areas, uninterrupted access to essential supplies and healthcare, accountability within the administration and security forces, and protection for vulnerable villages regardless of ethnicity.
