Guwahati: In a first public expression of remorse in violence-scarred Manipur, where relations among the Meitei, Naga and Kuki-Zo communities remain deeply strained, the Kuki Zo Council (KZC) Thursday apologised for killing six abducted Naga civilians, describing the incident a “grave mistake” driven by emotion.The apology comes weeks after the bodies of six Naga villagers, who had been taken hostage from Leilon Vaiphei village in Kangpokpi district on May 13 by Kuki-Zo armed men, were recovered on June 10 from the vicinity of a Kuki-Zo village.Manipur continues to remain on the edge since the beginning of the Kuki-Meitei conflict on May 3, 2023, which has claimed more than 270 lives and displaced about 60,000 people.In recent times, ethnic conflict has also erupted between the Kuki and Naga.Addressing a media conference at Churachandpur, KZC chairman Henlienthang Thanglet sought forgiveness from the Naga community, breaking from the entrenched blame game that has characterised the state’s ethnic conflict that began in May 2023.“Yes, I agree that the Kuki-Zo (people) made a grave mistake in killing the six Naga civilians, which was committed out of emotion. I strongly condemn it. I am very sorry and apologise on behalf of my people,” Thanglet said.He said that “the world and the country have labelled the Kuki-Zo as a very wicked tribe or a very bad tribe.”Clarifying the circumstances surrounding the conflict with Nagas in Manipur, he explained the fight initially began after an intoxicated Tangkhul Naga youth was beaten up on Feb 7 and taken before the village authorities to apologise in accordance with customary laws and traditions.“However, due to outside interference, that process could not take place. I am sorry that it happened this way. These events triggered the conflict, and later two Kuki-Zo men were killed, further escalating tensions,” he said.Thanglet said Kuki-Zo people have also suffered as 14 people had been killed and several villages torched by Kacha Naga and Tangkhul Naga groups so far in this conflict with Nagas.He further claimed that Kuki-Zo villagers in parts of Ukhrul district were facing difficulties accessing essential commodities and appealed to the Centre and the Manipur government to ensure adequate supplies of food and medicines.KZC spokesperson Ginza Vualzong demanded “firm and decisive action against militant groups responsible for attacks on civilians, including the NSCN-IM and the Zeliangrong United Front (Kamson),” and called for comprehensive investigations into areas suspected of sheltering those involved in the violence.He also alleged that security operations were being carried out selectively in Kuki-dominated areas and urged authorities to ensure that law enforcement actions were conducted fairly and without bias.The KZC further sought the reopening of blocked routes in Naga-dominated areas and unhindered access to healthcare, food, medicines, fuel and other essential supplies for affected populations.“Restore public confidence by ensuring accountability within the administrative and security apparatus and by protecting all vulnerable villages irrespective of ethnicity,” Vualzong said.The Kukis and Nagas share a long and bloody history of ethnic conflict, and this animosity reached its peak in the 1990s when clashes in the hill districts claimed over 1,000 lives and displaced tens of thousands. At the heart of the conflict lies the question of land and belonging.The Nagas have historically asserted that they are the original settlers of Manipur’s hills and therefore hold primary rights over the land. The Kukis, however, contest this claim, arguing for equal recognition and territorial rights. These competing narratives continue to fuel mistrust and periodic violence.
