The Kuki-Zo Council has expressed regret over the killing of six Naga civilians in Manipur and called for an impartial investigation into all incidents linked to the ongoing ethnic violence in the northeastern state, even as fresh tension continued with an IED blast reported in Noney district on Thursday.
Chairman of the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), Henlienthang Thanglet, publicly condemned the killings, describing them as ‘tragic’ and ‘unacceptable’.
“The Kuki-Zo Council unequivocally condemns the killing of the six Naga hostages. The incident was tragic, unacceptable, and was neither authorised nor approved by any Kuki-Zo political or community leadership. Those responsible must be identified and brought to justice through a fair, transparent, and impartial investigation,” Thanglet said.
A video clip circulating on social media showed Thanglet acknowledging the killings, saying the community had “made a great mistake” in the death of six “Kacha Nagas”, adding that the act was driven by emotion and expressing regret.
KZC spokesperson Ginza Vualzong also pushed for a wider, impartial inquiry into all violence linked to the Manipur conflict, including the killing of 14 Kuki individuals and the burning of more than 45 houses across eight Kuki villages.
The six Naga victims were among 48 people abducted in the aftermath of the May 13 twin ambushes that left four civilians dead in separate incidents in Kangpokpi and Noney districts, including three church leaders and one Naga civilian.
While several people from both communities were later released after nearly a month, the six Naga civilians were found dead on June 10 near Kharam Vaiphei in Kangpokpi district. They are believed to have been kidnapped from Leilon village, located nearby.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over the case, amid growing demands from civil society groups for accountability.
Vualzong further demanded “firm and decisive action” against militant groups accused of targeting civilians, including the NSCN-IM and the Zeliangrong United Front (Kamson), along with wider investigations into areas suspected of sheltering or aiding perpetrators. He also called for the reopening of blocked routes in Naga-dominated regions to ensure access to essential supplies, healthcare, food, fuel and medicines.
In a separate incident on Thursday, an improvised explosive device (IED) exploded in Joujangtek village in Noney district around 2.30 pm, an official told India Today TV requesting anonymity.
Preliminary reports indicated that three people were injured in the blast and taken to Churachandpur Medical Hospital for treatment. Officials, however, have not issued a formal statement confirming the identities or exact number of those injured.
– Ends
Published By:
Sahil Sinha
Published On:
Jun 26, 2026 12:49 IST
