Kuki-Zo Council Calls Killing of Naga Hostages a 'Grave Mistake'
In a press conference held in Churachandpur on Thursday, the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) described the killing of six Naga hostages as a 'grave mistake', while raising concerns over what it termed 'selective security actions' by authorities following recent violence in Manipur.
The statement from the KZC, led by chairman Henlianthang Thanglet, unequivocally condemned the killings. Thanglet acknowledged, 'I agree that the Kuki-Zo have made a grave mistake' by killing the six Naga civilians who were taken hostage during the escalation of tensions in May. He further stated, 'I really criticise it.'
Tensions between the Naga and Kuki-Zo communities have been high since May 13, when three Kuki-Zo church leaders were killed in an ambush. This incident triggered a series of hostage-takings on both sides, culminating in the killing of six Naga hostages earlier this month. The KZC's remarks come amid a broader context of inter-community strife in Manipur, which has experienced periodic outbreaks of violence.
The council's chairman also alleged that security forces have been selective in their response, implying that actions were not equally applied to all communities. This claim, however, has not been independently verified. Authorities have not yet commented on the KZC's allegations.
The KZC's condemnation of the killings is a significant step, as it publicly distances the council from the violence. The council represents the interests of the Kuki-Zo people in Manipur and has previously called for peace and dialogue.
The state government has maintained law and order operations in the affected regions, but the underlying ethnic tensions remain a challenge. The killing of the hostages has drawn widespread condemnation from various civil society groups and political leaders across the state.
As of now, no arrests have been reported in connection with the killings. The incident underscores the fragile security situation in Manipur and the need for sustained efforts to promote inter-community harmony.
