Kuki-Zo Council Admits Killing Six Naga Villagers, Expresses Rare Regret

The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), the apex body of the Kuki-Zo tribes in Manipur, has admitted that members of their community executed six Liangmai Naga villagers. The victims were abducted after three Thadou church leaders were killed in an ambush over a month ago.

In a video address to media persons on Thursday (June 25, 2026), KZC chairman Henlianthang Thanglet described the killings as a 'great mistake' and said they occurred during an outburst of emotion. 'I really criticise it,' he said, with KZC spokesperson Ginza Vualzong by his side.

This marks the first known public expression of regret by any Kuki individual or civil society organisation over the killing of the six Naga civilians. Their whereabouts were unknown until security forces recovered their decomposed and dismembered bodies on June 11.

The six Naga civilians were among several abducted from Leilon Vaiphei village hours after unknown gunmen ambushed two vehicles and killed three Thadou church leaders on May 13. Kuki-Zo organisations had blamed that attack on armed Naga groups, primarily the National Socialist Council of Nagalim.

The Thadous are divided over their identity as Kukis. A section claims they are a distinct community, while others insist they belong to the greater Kuki group.

The killing of the church leaders triggered a hostage crisis, as Kuki groups abducted Nagas and Naga groups held Kukis captive. Fourteen abducted members of each community were released after security forces brokered a hostage exchange deal on May 15.

The United Naga Council (UNC) and church bodies prevailed upon Naga groups to release the remaining 14 Kukis on June 9. The failure of the Kuki-Zo groups to reciprocate created doubts about the safety of the Naga hostages.

The recovery of their bodies two days later triggered outrage across the Naga-inhabited hills of Manipur and Nagaland, as well as the Meitei-dominated Imphal Valley. The UNC and several Naga and Meitei organisations demanded the abrogation of the Suspension of Operations agreement between the Centre and 25 Kuki-Zo armed groups, accusing them of prolonging the ethnic conflict in the State.

On June 8, the National Investigation Agency took over the probe into the killing of the three Thadou church leaders.