The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) has clarified that its chairman’s recent apology over the killing of six Naga civilians in Manipur was a humanitarian gesture and should not be interpreted as an admission that the Kuki-Zo community was responsible for the crime.In a statement issued on Friday, the council said comments made by its chairman, Henlienthang Thanglet, had been misunderstood by some sections. It said the apology was offered only in the spirit of humanity, compassion and moral responsibility to express sympathy with the families who lost their loved ones.The clarification came a day after Thanglet, speaking at a press conference in Churachandpur, apologised on behalf of the Kuki-Zo people for the killing of six Naga civilians. He described the incident as a “grave mistake” and strongly condemned the killings. The six civilians were abducted from Leilon Vaiphei village in Kangpokpi district on May 13. Their bodies were recovered on June 10 from an area near a Kuki-Zo village, a day after 14 Kuki people who had been abducted in Senapati district were released.
The Kuki-Zo Council maintained that no political, social or community organisation representing the Kuki-Zo people had authorised or supported the killings. It said the identity of those responsible has not yet been established and called for a fair, impartial and credible investigation to identify the perpetrators and bring them to justice. The council also urged investigators to examine all incidents linked to the ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur. It said inquiries should include the killing of Kuki-Zo civilians, attacks on churches, destruction of villages and the murder of religious leaders. According to the council, lasting peace cannot be achieved through selective justice or selective security measures. The clarification, however, drew differing responses from other organisations. The All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM) rejected the apology, saying it was unacceptable and expressing strong resentment over the killing of the six hostages.
Meanwhile, the Zomi Students’ Federation General Headquarters distanced itself from the Kuki-Zo Council, stating that it does not recognise or endorse the organisation or its activities. The federation also objected to the council’s claim of representing multiple communities, including the Zomis. Manipur has remained affected by ethnic violence since May 2023, when clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities erupted. The conflict has claimed the lives of more than 260 people and displaced thousands, with repeated calls from different organisations for justice, accountability and a lasting political solution.
