Manipur Groups Demand Probe After Kuki Body Admits Killing 6 Naga Hostages
Two influential civil society organisations representing the Meitei community and Naga tribes in Manipur have demanded swift action after the Kuki Zo Council (KZC) chairman admitted on camera that the killing of six Naga men was a mistake made “out of emotion.” The statement has sparked renewed calls for justice and an impartial investigation.
The United Naga Council (UNC), which represents 21 Naga tribes, held a press conference in Delhi on Tuesday, seeking immediate intervention from the central government and demanding a court-monitored investigation. UNC leader Samson Remei said, “Six innocent Nagas were kidnapped and killed. Their mutilated bodies were recovered on June 10. So far, no arrests have been made. We are shocked by the approach of state and central security forces.” The UNC alleged that Kuki militant groups kidnapped 20 Nagas on May 13, releasing 14 on May 15, and killing the remaining six.
The Meitei Alliance, a global umbrella body of Meitei civil society organisations, issued a statement emphasising that the KZC’s “public acknowledgment places an even greater responsibility on the government and law enforcement agencies to act swiftly, impartially, and decisively.” The alliance said, “If established through investigation, these acts would rank among the most inhuman and barbaric crimes imaginable. No explanation, apology, or appeal to emotion can diminish the gravity of these atrocities or substitute for justice.” The Meitei Alliance also noted that this incident is part of a pattern of abductions and brutal killings in the region, including the murder of six Meitei family members in Jiribam and recent killings of Thadou pastors.
The Thadou Inpi Manipur (TIM), which asserts a distinct Thadou tribal identity separate from Kuki political organisations, has also been vocal. After a peace meeting between the Meitei Alliance and Thadou representatives in August 2025, a Thadou leader from Assam was kidnapped and killed. The Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA) admitted involvement and agreed to assist the Assam Police investigation.
The KZC, however, has sought to clarify its chairman’s remarks. In a statement, the council said the expression of regret “must not, under any circumstances, be misconstrued as an admission, confession, or acknowledgment that the killings were perpetrated by the Kuki-Zo community.” This has raised questions about the sincerity of the apology and the willingness to cooperate with investigations.
The situation in Manipur remains tense, with various ethnic groups demanding justice and accountability. The central and state governments face pressure to ensure a fair and transparent probe that upholds the rule of law and protects the rights of all communities.
