In Manipur, the Kuki-Zo Council publicly expressed regret over the killing of six Naga hostages in Kangpokpi district, acknowledging a grave mistake. The Council’s Chairman apologized for the incident and called for a fair investigation into all violence related to the ongoing ethnic conflict. At least 50 individuals from the Kuki and Naga communities were held hostage by armed groups following violent incidents in May.
Following sustained efforts, around 30 individuals from both communities were released, with the remaining 14 Kuki villagers handed over to the police. The bodies of the six Naga hostages were found near a tribal settlement, leading the KZC Chairman to admit the mistake made out of emotion. He strongly condemned the act and apologized on behalf of his people, emphasizing the need for identifying and bringing the responsible parties to justice.
The Kuki-Zo Council expressed concern over the lack of attention to previous killings of innocent Kuki-Zo civilians and arson attacks on villages. They demanded equal justice for all victims, regardless of ethnicity, to prevent deepening mistrust. Alleging selective security operations and harassment, the Council condemned the intimidation faced by innocent Kuki-Zo villagers during search operations.
Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh confirmed that the cases had been handed over to the National Investigation Agency for a comprehensive investigation. The killings have sparked condemnation from political leaders and community organizations across the Northeast, with demands for justice for the victims.
