KZC Clarifies Chairman's Remarks on Six Naga Hostages

LAMKA, June 26, 2026: The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) has issued an official clarification stating that remarks made by its Chairman during a press conference on June 25 regarding the killing of six Naga hostages have been misunderstood by some sections of the media and the public.

In a clarification issued by the KZC Spokesperson Ginza Vualzong on June 26, the Council said the Chairman's expression of regret was made purely on humanitarian and moral grounds and should not be interpreted as an admission of responsibility by the Kuki-Zo community.

According to the statement, the Chairman expressed sorrow and extended condolences to the bereaved families because the bodies of the six victims were recovered from areas inhabited by Kuki-Zo people. The Council emphasized that the gesture reflected Christian values, compassion, and shared human grief, and was never intended as a confession or acknowledgment that the Kuki-Zo community was responsible for the killings.

The KZC further reiterated that no political, social, or community institution representing the Kuki-Zo people had sanctioned, endorsed, or supported the killing of innocent civilians. It maintained that the perpetrators remain unknown and called for a fair, impartial, and credible investigation to establish the facts and bring those responsible to justice.

The Council also urged the authorities to ensure equal justice for all victims of the ongoing conflict, including Kuki-Zo civilians. It called for thorough investigations into the killings of civilians, destruction of villages, attacks on churches, the murder of religious leaders, and other acts of violence, stressing that lasting peace cannot be achieved through selective justice or selective security measures.

ZUF Holds NSCN-IM, UNC Responsible for Manipur Crisis

THE Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) has reiterated its position on the ongoing crisis in Manipur, alleging that the conflict was largely driven by the influence and policies of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim-Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM). 

In a press statement issued on June 15, 2026, the organization claimed that the state's current turmoil stemmed from a "contention-motivated" agenda pursued under the undue influence of NSCN-IM.

According to ZUF, the resulting situation created a war-like atmosphere involving Kuki and Naga militants operating behind village volunteers or village guards, leading to ambushes, clashes, and the loss of innocent lives. The group stated that these developments had generated confusion, disturbances, insecurity, and instability across the state.

ZUF said it had consistently advocated for social stability, harmony, and peaceful coexistence based on universal human values. However, it accused the United Naga Council (UNC), allegedly influenced by NSCN-IM, of pursuing preconceived political objectives without adequately considering public safety or the concerns of the Naga people.

The organization further claimed that UNC's decisions neither addressed the violence nor provided a meaningful solution to the growing tensions. It alleged that UNC later attempted to justify its position by citing pressure from the Baptist World Alliance, appeals from neighbouring state chief ministers, and commitments from the Ministry of Home Affairs.

According to the statement, public anger among Nagas has exceeded UNC's capacity to manage the situation. ZUF argued that the release of 14 Kuki hostages, which was widely regarded as a positive humanitarian step, failed to address the pain and demands for justice among families who lost loved ones during the conflict.

The organization also referred to the deaths of six Zeliangrong individuals, alleging that they were returned to their families bearing signs of severe torture and brutal killing. ZUF contended that timely intervention by UNC could have prevented the escalation of violence and the subsequent retaliatory actions.

Stating that the situation has now become "critically difficult and out of control," ZUF held UNC accountable for failing to restore peace and normalcy. The group demanded that UNC accept responsibility for its actions and issue an apology to the Naga people, particularly the Zeliangrong community, for what it described as policy failures that resulted in the deaths of innocent civilians.

The statement further noted that the current unrest has revived painful memories of the Naga-Kuki clashes of 1917–1919 and the 1990s, periods during which many lives were lost on both sides. ZUF emphasized that the sacrifices and bloodshed suffered by its people should not be forgotten or left without recognition.

Appealing for restraint and unity, the organization urged the Naga public not to be swayed by what it called the "dictate and sectional authority" of NSCN-IM and UNC. It accused both bodies of creating confusion and division among the Naga people.

ZUF also paid tribute to those who lost their lives in what it described as acts of terrorism. The organization specifically mourned the deaths of Zeliangrong residents from Konsakhul Village and Pongringlong Village and extended its deepest condolences to the bereaved families. It expressed hope that the victims' families would find strength and comfort through faith and that their loved ones would be remembered in the history of the Zeliangrong people.

KZC Condemns Leilon Munlui Attack, Seeks Justice

Lamka, June 15, 2026: The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) has strongly condemned the attack and bombing at Leilon Munlui village in Kangpokpi district on Monday morning, which left three Kuki-Zo youths seriously injured.

In a press release issued on June 15, the council alleged that the attack was carried out at around 6:00 a.m. by NSCN-IM and its proxy outfit, ZUF-K. The injured were identified as Genlenmang Vaiphei (15), Lunliandou Vaiphei (20), and Paogoulal Chongloi (18). They were evacuated to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal, for treatment.

KZC noted that Paogoulal Chongloi is a promising Indian footballer who has represented Mohun Bagan Football Club.

The council described the incident as part of a continuing pattern of violence against the Kuki-Zo community, alleging that several attacks, killings, and incidents of village burnings have occurred in recent months.

KZC also expressed concern over reports that a large crowd gathered at RIMS in protest against the treatment of the injured youths, prompting security forces to intervene and disperse the gathering.

While condemning the recent killing of six Naga hostages, the council claimed that at least 14 Kuki-Zo people, including three pastors, have been killed since March 11, 2026, in attacks allegedly linked to NSCN-IM and ZUF-K. It further alleged that more than six Kuki villages had been set on fire during the same period.

The council reiterated its demand for a separate administration and urged the Government of India to address the situation through a political solution. It also appealed to citizens to condemn violence irrespective of community and ensure peace, security, and equality for all.

Video: LEILON MUNLUI ATTACK

Dialogue Over Retaliation

THE fragile peace along India’s eastern frontier was shattered once again in the early hours of June 11, 2026. A brutal assault struck Kultuh, an old Kuki settlement nestled within the Tangkhul-Naga dominated Kamjong district of Manipur. Around 4:30 a.m., heavily armed militants descended upon the small village, reducing houses and a local church to ashes. Tragically, the raid claimed the lives of two respected community leaders: Letminlun Haokip, the Head Deacon, and Lunminthang Haokip, the Youth Chairman. In its immediate aftermath, the Eastern Kuki Chiefs’ Association released a press communiqué strongly condemning this “heinous and barbaric attack”, attributing the violence to armed cross-border groups operating from Myanmar. Similarly, the Kuki Women Union expressed deep concern over how these foreign-based militants could “move freely and operate within Indian territory”, raising serious questions about national security and the vulnerability of border residents.

This latest bloodshed does not exist in a vacuum; it is the continuation of a horrifying, tit-for-tat cycle of hostage-taking and targeted violence that has gripped the region for weeks. The current friction intensified on May 13 with the killing of three Kuki pastors, an event that triggered a desperate wave of retaliatory abductions by both Naga and Kuki groups. Just a day prior to the Kultuh village raid, on June 10, the Manipur Police recovered the bodies of six missing Naga hostages in Kangpokpi district. Though 14 Kuki men held by Naga groups were safely released on June 9, the discovery of the dead Naga men instantly renewed communal anxieties. This vicious circle of revenge has turned innocent civilians into pawns, ensuring that every act of violence on one side is met with swift, lethal retaliation on the other.

Between May 14 and June 11, thirteen Kukis and several Nagas lost their lives to this relentless unrest. On June 5, three Kuki civilians: Mr Letkhongam Haokip, his seven-month pregnant wife Tinmary Haokip, and Mr Jangmilal Haokip of Loibol were killed and their houses burnt down. Three days later, on June 8, a Rongmei Naga man, Mr Chunjanglung Panmei, was killed in Kangpokpi. The violence also claimed the life of a Kuki farmer, Mr Haokhogin Lhouvum, who was killed in Lasan, Tamenglong district on June 9. To prevent further innocent lives from being lost to this worsening crisis, the state government and its agencies must act carefully to nip the violence in the bud. A proactive strategy is urgently needed to secure vulnerable border areas and restore public confidence.

The path Manipur is currently treading is unsustainable and dangerous. If left unchecked, this cycle of hatred will inevitably lead to more bloodshed, pushing both tribes toward a catastrophic conflict reminiscent of the dark past. It is high time for the apex tribal leadership - United Naga Council and Kuki Inpi Manipur, to urgently sit down together at the negotiation table. They must bypass the state’s political paralysis and directly engage in an honest, collaborative dialogue to chalk out a roadmap for long-term peace and harmony. Only a unified, internal community-led effort can cool down passions, rebuild shattered trust, and ensure a stable future where both Kuki and Naga communities can coexist safely on their shared land.

~ Zogam Today | Editorial | 12.06.2026

KZVV Welcomes Release of 14 Hostages, Questions 'Selective Morality

Lamka, June 10, 2026: The Kuki-Zo Village Volunteers (KZVV), Western Command, has welcomed the release of 14 abducted Kuki-Zo civilians but asserted that innocent civilians should never have been taken hostage in the first place.

In a press statement issued on June 10, KZVV said the release of civilians was a positive development, but argued that freeing people who should not have been abducted cannot be regarded as an extraordinary act. The organisation stated that such actions represent the minimum moral obligation expected of any society.

The group also questioned what it described as the selective application of humanitarian principles, asking where calls for "war ethics" and human rights were when Kuki-Zo civilians were allegedly being killed in a series of incidents over recent months.

According to KZVV, between March and June 2026, twelve Kuki-Zo individuals, including an unborn child, lost their lives in incidents allegedly involving Naga assailants. The organisation said the victims included villagers, pastors, parents and other civilians whose deaths did not receive the same level of attention now being given to humanitarian concerns.

The statement recalled the March 12, 2026 killing of two Kuki-Zo villagers, Thangboimang Lunkim and Thenkhogin Baite, who were allegedly captured and murdered by cadres of the NSCN Eastern Flank while working on farming activities and repairing a community water supply line. KZVV noted that, in response, Kuki-Zo villagers detained 21 Tangkhul civilians but later released all of them unharmed within twelve hours, citing humanitarian considerations and efforts to prevent further escalation.

KZVV also highlighted the killing of three Christian ministers—Rev. V. Sithlhou, Pastor Paogoulen and Rev. Kaigoulen—on May 13, 2026, describing the incident as particularly painful for the community. The organisation stated that despite public anger following the killings, Kuki civil society groups ensured the safe passage of Naga travellers along National Highway-1 and facilitated the release of detainees.

The organisation maintained that justice and compassion should be applied equally to all communities and warned against what it termed "selective outrage" and "hypocrisy disguised as virtue."

KZVV further called on all concerned parties to acknowledge every innocent life lost, regardless of community affiliation, and to pursue justice without fear, favour or bias. The statement emphasized the need for equal concern for all victims and urged stakeholders to avoid selective responses to violence and humanitarian issues.

UKC Thanks UNC for Releasing 14 Kuki Hostages

 "PRESS NOTE"

The 10th June 2026

Subject: Appreciation to UNC for the Release of 14 Kuki Hostages in Reciprocation of 21 Hostages Released by KIM Previously, Setting the Humanitarian Record Straight.

The United Kuki Council (UKC) places on record its appreciation to the United Naga Council (UNC) for the release of 14 Kuki-Zo hostages on 09 June 2026, after 27 days of detention. This step is welcomed as a gesture that aligns with the humanitarian path first demonstrated by the Kuki community.

On 12 March 2026, Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) facilitated the unconditional release of 21 hostages, including 18 Tangkhul civilians and 3 persons from neutral communities, as a goodwill measure during prevailing tensions. Instead of reciprocation at that time, the mortal remains of Late Thenkhogin Baite and Late Thangboimang Lunkim were handed over by the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL).

The UNC’s release of 14 Kuki hostages today is therefore seen as a reciprocation of KIM’s earlier humanitarian action of 12 March 2026. The UKC acknowledges this step, while reiterating that choosing peace should not be selective or delayed.

For the public record, the UKC presents the following documented details in Chart A in the above where 12  Kuki Persons Lost Lives and Chart B where 8 Kuki Villages/Localities were Attacked and burnt down. 

As documented above, 10 Kuki persons have been killed and 8 Kuki villages/localities have been attacked by Tangkhuls and ZUF(K). This sets the record of more deaths and several Kuki villages attacked and burnt at the hands of Kacha Nagas.

Therefore, the world community including UNC is appealed to accept the six hostages whether as it is, whether alive or dead and urged the concerned State and Central Authorities to deal as per laws of the country, keeping in mind Kukis have been continuing to defend themselves and never ever start or attack unless provoke to the degree of toleration.

“Humanity deserves appreciation. Selective memory does not”

Sd/-( L.T NGAIHTE)                                                                      
Vice-President, (Extl Affairs)       

                                                   
Sd/-(ALEX AIMOL)
Vice-President (Strtgy)

United Kuki Council (UKC)

Manipur: A Ray of Hope as 14 Kuki Hostages Walk Free

THE safe release of 14 Kuki individuals on June 9, 2026, after nearly a month in captivity, brings a rare, much-needed sigh of relief to Manipur. The ordeal began on May 13 following a tragic ambush in Kangpokpi district that claimed the lives of three Kuki pastors, sparking a retaliatory cycle where both sides took up hostages; as per media reports the Nagas captured 28 Kukis, while the Kukis took 20 Nagas. An initial exchange on May 15 saw 28 people released: 14 from each community but left 14 Kuki individuals stranded in captivity. Thankfully, a dedicated goodwill mission led by church organisations and central, state, and tribal leaders finally secured their freedom at the Senapati district headquarters. Remarkably, one former detainee, Paotinkai Chongloi, shared that they were treated well, receiving the best available food, clothing, and blankets from the Naga village guards, proving that compassion can survive even during a crisis.

Yet, we cannot ignore the fragile and painful reality that frames this breakthrough. Even as these 14 men were being handed over safely to the police, reports emerged of fresh gunfire and the tragic killing of another Kuki man in Tamenglong district. Since mid-May 2026, the conflict has claimed at least 11 Kuki-Zo lives, including the pastors, and left eight villages reduced to ashes. The wounds of Manipur run incredibly deep, and every step forward seems shadowed by immediate setbacks. The cycle of retaliation, where innocent civilians become bargaining chips or targets, is a modern tragedy that only prolongs the heartbreak, tears, and bloodshed of a beautiful state.

This successful release, however, must be viewed as a crucial turning point rather than an isolated event. It proves that dialogue and community leadership can triumph over violence when given the chance. The United Naga Council (UNC) and local civil society groups showed that coordinated appeals could touch the conscience of those holding the triggers. By choosing to protect and return these remaining men unharmed, the Naga community has offered a vital gesture of reconciliation. It is a powerful reminder that taking civilians captive has no place in our world today, and that true strength lies in mercy and the courage to break the cycle of hate.

For Manipur to truly heal, this gesture must inspire a broader, collective movement toward peaceful coexistence. The state is a rich tapestry woven from many vibrant communities: Meitei, Naga, Kuki, Zomi, and Pangal, and none can thrive in isolation or through the destruction of another. True harmony cannot be enforced by security forces alone; it must be built from within by choosing understanding over suspicion. Let this moment of relief serve as a foundation for lasting peace. All communities must now come together to bind Manipur’s wounds, silence the guns, and ensure that the future belongs to cooperation, mutual respect, and shared hope.

~ Zogam Today | Editorial | 10.06.2026

Note: The individuals released were identified as Thangtinlen Chongloi, Paotinkai Chongloi, Lunsei Chongloi, Kaimang Chongloi, Hengunsei Chongloi, Luntinlal Chongloi, Tonggoulen Chongloi, Sehginlun Chongloi, Sehminhao Chongloi, Paogoulhang Chongloi, Haominlun Kipgen, Lamgoulen Kipgen, Thanglemang Chongloi, and Thangminlen Chongloi.

KSO City Branches Express Gratitude for Safe Release of 14 Kuki Hostages

The Kuki Students' Organisation (KSO) City Branches have expressed profound relief and gratitude following the safe and unconditional release of 14 Kuki individuals who had been held in custody by the Manipur Naga Village Guards.

In a statement issued on June 9, the KSO City Branches thanked various organisations, institutions and leaders whose appeals and interventions helped secure the release. Among those acknowledged were the Council of Baptist Churches in Northeast India (CBCNEI), Baptist World Alliance (BWA), Nagaland Joint Christian Forum, Assam Rifles, Naga Students' Federation (NSF), the Chief Ministers of Nagaland and Meghalaya, the Governments of Manipur and India, and Christian bodies across the country and Northeast India.

The organisation also expressed appreciation to the United Naga Council (UNC) for facilitating the final process that led to the hostages' safe release.

While welcoming the positive outcome, KSO urged all concerned parties to stop spreading misinformation and disinformation that could deepen mistrust and obstruct peace efforts. The organisation called on Kuki and Naga leaders to engage in sincere dialogue to find a lasting political solution to their disputes.

Emphasising reconciliation and peaceful coexistence, KSO City Branches pledged their full cooperation and support to Naga students living in various cities. The statement concluded with prayers for lasting peace and harmony among all communities in the region and expressed hope that such incidents would never recur.

 

Nagaland CM Welcomes Release of 14 Kuki Hostages

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has welcomed the safe and humane release of the 14 Kuki hostages by the United Naga Council (UNC) and Naga civil society organisations. He said the release followed appeals by church bodies led by the Baptist World Alliance and efforts by Naga civil society groups. Rio described the gesture as a reflection of compassion, human dignity, and Christian values. He expressed hope that the development would help restore trust and promote lasting peace in Manipur. He also appealed for the safe release of the six missing Naga hostages through humanitarian means.

Kuki CSO Ukhrul: Acknowledging Humanity in Full, Not in Fragments!

The Kuki CSO Working Committee, Ukhrul (WCKCSOs-Ukhrul), has welcomed the release of 14 Kuki-Zo hostages by the United Naga Council (UNC) after 27 days of detention, describing the development as a positive humanitarian gesture.

In a statement issued on 9 June 2026, titled “Acknowledging Humanity in Full, Not in Fragments!”, the committee said the widespread celebration following the hostages' release was heartening and reflected the values of humanity, restraint, and moral responsibility.

However, the organisation stressed that the Kuki-Zo community had earlier demonstrated a similar commitment to peace and humanitarian principles. It recalled that on March 12, 2026, the Kuki-Zos facilitated the release of 21 civilians, including 18 Tangkhuls and three individuals from neutral communities, despite prevailing tensions.

The committee claimed that the earlier humanitarian effort by Kuki-Zo civil society organisations received little public recognition, while attention was instead diverted from the killings of two Kuki-Zo individuals, identified as Thenkhogin Baite and Thangboimang Lunkim.

WCKCSOs-Ukhrul stated that humanitarian actions should be appreciated equally, regardless of which community initiates them. It also expressed appreciation to the UNC for what it described as reciprocating the humanitarian path first taken by the Kuki-Zo community.

Regarding the six missing Naga individuals, the committee noted that Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) had stated that it had no information about their whereabouts. It urged authorities not to interpret the absence of information as irresponsibility and called on the government to make every effort to ascertain the whereabouts and well-being of the missing persons.

Concluding its statement, the committee emphasized that “humanity deserves appreciation” and called for fairness and consistency in acknowledging humanitarian efforts across communities.

UNC Announces Release of 14 Kuki hostages

On June 9, 2026, the United Naga Council announced the release of 14 Kuki detainees held by the Naga Village Guard. Citing appeals from churches, Amit Shah’s assurance to Nagaland’s CM, and requests from Manipur and Meghalaya’s CM, the UNC approved the release after stakeholder consultations. The detainees were handed to Senapati authorities on June 7, 2026, for family reunion.

Kuki-Zo Council Thanks All for Release of 14 Hostages

Lamka, June 9, 2026: The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) has expressed heartfelt gratitude to all individuals, organizations, and authorities involved in securing the safe release of 14 Kuki-Zo hostages.

In a press release issued on Monday, the council stated that the successful outcome was made possible through coordinated efforts and the dedication of various stakeholders who worked tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of those held captive.

The KZC conveyed special appreciation to the Government of Manipur, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Chief Ministers of Nagaland and Meghalaya for their support and intervention during the process.

The council also thanked the Director General of Police (DGP), Assam Rifles, and other security agencies for their commitment and cooperation throughout the rescue efforts.

In addition, the KZC acknowledged the role of Christian leaders from Nagaland and Manipur, along with the United Naga Council (UNC) and several Naga civil society organizations, for their prayers, peace-building initiatives, and constructive engagement that contributed to the peaceful resolution.

Reaffirming its gratitude, the council said the collective efforts brought immense relief and joy to the families of the hostages and the wider Kuki-Zo community.

Hope in Manipur as 14 Kuki Hostages Are Released

On June 9, 2026, fourteen Kuki individuals were formally released and handed over by Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) of Senapati District, Manipur, to the Senapati Police and the District Administration.

Following their release, the authorities completed all necessary formalities, including identity verification and medical examinations. Security arrangements were put in place, and the route was secured to ensure their safe transportation to Taphou Kuki Village.

The individuals were subsequently handed over to the Chief of Taphou Kuki Village through an official handing-over and taking-over memorandum.

The entire process was carried out peacefully and smoothly, with the cooperation and coordination of all stakeholders involved.

The 14 released Kuki individuals were identified as:

1. Thangtinlen Chongloi
2. Paotinkai Chongloi
3. Lunsei Chongloi
4. Kaimang Chongloi
5. Hengunsei Chongloi
6. Luntinlal Chongloi
7. Tonggoulen Chongloi
8. Sehginlun Chongloi
9. Sehminhao Chongloi
10. Paogoulhang Chongloi
11. Haominlun Kipgen
12. Lamgoulen Kipgen
13. Thanglemang Chongloi
14. Thangminlen Chongloi

💚🙏🕊🙏💚

11 Kuki-Zo Killed, 8 Villages Burnt Since Mid-May

Since mid-May 2026, a total of 11 Kuki-Zo individuals have reportedly been killed in clashes with Naga groups in Manipur. 

The fatalities include:

• Litan village – 2
• Mulam village – 2
• Pastors – 3
• Loibol village – 3
• IT Road village – 1

In addition, eight Kuki-Zo villages have reportedly been burnt:
Gampal, Lanchah, Litan, Loibol, Mulam (Ukhrul), K. Songlun, Kharam Vaiphei, and Haijang.

Reports also indicate that 14 Kuki hostages remain in captivity.

Figures as of 09 June 2026, 04:31 PM

Pi Kimneo Hangshing in Taphou khomite vilna ana nei

14 Hostages Family ho lhamon na jong ana nei.

TAPHOU: 3rd June, 2026 |  Wednesday 

Saikul MLA Pi Kimneo Hangshing in tunin Senapati district sung a midangte khutna tangden Kuki chapa 14 ho chenna Taphou Vangkho vilna ana neijin, Hostages Family ho tilkhou naleh lhamon na jong ana neiye.

MLA Pi Kimneo Hangshing in hentaang a um sopi cheng damsel a hung kilhadoh nading chung chang thu a amanjong ajochanna apanlah dan ana seijin, amahohin bol khel toh khel leh seikhel ima anei pouve, Kuki chapa ahi jeh uva midangte khutna hentaang a um ahi uvin, damsel a hungdoh thou2 ding ahi uvin, lungneo hih uvin lang taonan lhut jing ute atin, hitoh kilhon in Taona Maicham ₹1,000/- ana koijin, alhonpi a team holeh khosung mite chuleh hostages Innsungmite cheng toh sopi ho damsel la ahung kilhadoh theina ding uvin  Taona ana mang khom uvin ahi.

MLA Pi Kimneo Hangshing in hentaang a um sopi cheng ding in nehle chah jong ana pe in, chuleh agimnau leh acholnau thoh-hu  vetsahna in Hostages Family hojong Sit in Protest phat chomkhat ana tou pi in ahi.

(KimneoForSaikul)

Kuki People's Alliance, KPA

No Winners in Hate: Only Peace Can Save Us

THE delicate fabric of peace in Manipur is tearing along a perilous new fault line. For weeks, the deeply worrying standoff between the Naga and Kuki-Zo communities has held the state on a knife-edge. The crisis peaked on Monday afternoon when a glimmer of hope “the scheduled release of 14 Kuki civilians detainees by the United Naga Council (UNC)” abruptly vanished. At the eleventh hour, under severe pressure from youth groups like the Senapati District Students Association and Joint Tribes Council of Manipur, the UNC called off the release, citing intense public resentment. This sudden reversal leaves 14 Kuki civilians and six missing Naga youths trapped as human bargaining chips, pushing an already fragile region closer to the brink of unwanted bloodshed. 

It is easy to understand the deep anxieties fueling this deadlock. The Naga community is understandably distressed over the unknown fate of their six young men who have been missing since the tragic violence of mid-May. Tribal bodies feel that a unilateral release without reciprocal transparency from Kuki groups compromises their leverage. Yet, matching grievance with grievance creates a dangerous stalemate. Using innocent civilians as shields or political tools is a profound violation of the very Christian values, customary laws, and humanitarian ethics that both communities proudly claim to uphold. When political parties and church leaders appeal for an unconditional release, they are not asking either side to surrender their rights; they are begging them to preserve their humanity. 

The hard truth that both Naga and Kuki leaders must face is that this escalating friction offers no trophies and no victory laps. In a conflict of this nature, there is no winner; there is only a shared, devastating loss. If local leadership allows anger to dictate their next moves, the cost will be measured in more shattered families, deeper structural hatred, and predictable nightmares for future generations. The only way to thwart further tragedy is to break this bitter cycle of retaliation. Dialogue cannot begin in a room filled with hostages, and trust cannot be built while families are left weeping in the dark.

For the sake of humanity, the leaders of both sides must listen to their collective conscience rather than their most radical voices. They must courageously choose a dignified, transparent mechanism to set all captives free, unharmed and without delay. Mutual understanding is not a sign of weakness; it is the ultimate act of strength required for peaceful coexistence. True justice will not be achieved by withholding freedom from others, but by ensuring that no more innocent blood is spilled on this shared soil. Peace remains the only viable choice, and it must begin with an immediate, compassionate release of every single hostage.

~ Zogam Today | Editorial | 02.06.2026

United Naga Council: Basis of the Release of Detainees | Hostages

THE United Naga Council (UNC) on Monday issued a public statement outlining the basis for the release of detainees and reaffirming its commitment to justice, peace, and the protection of Naga rights.

In the statement issued from Tahamzam (Senapati Headquarters), the UNC said the Naga people have long upheld Christian values, human rights, and ethical principles. The council noted that appeals from the Baptist community, Naga churches, tribes, and civil society organisations played a significant role in seeking a peaceful resolution to the issue.

The UNC referred to assurances reportedly given by Union Home Minister Amit Shah to Nagaland Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio that the Ministry of Home Affairs would trace the abducted Naga persons, identify those responsible for the abductions, and ensure that the law takes its course.

According to the statement, the Government of Manipur sought the release of detained individuals with the assurance that efforts would be intensified to establish the status of the missing hostages and to bring the perpetrators to justice. The council also cited commitments to enforce the SoO ground rules and take action against those found responsible.

The UNC further noted that appeals by national and regional leaders, including the President of the Naga People’s Front, for the unconditional release of hostages were based on humanitarian considerations.

Following consultations with Naga Village Guards and other stakeholders, the UNC said it decided to release all 14 Kuki detainees who had been under the custody of the Naga Village Guard–Northern Command. The detainees were subsequently released.

However, the council emphasized that six Naga hostages remain missing and demanded their immediate release. It stated that the UNC would continue to pursue justice until all those responsible are held accountable and the missing persons are safely recovered.

The statement concluded by asserting that the UNC would closely monitor the implementation of the assurances given by both the Union Home Ministry and the Manipur Government. The council reiterated its commitment to pursuing the Naga people's demands through peaceful and democratic means while seeking the restoration of peace and justice in the region.

~ KV NEWS

KSO Delhi | Blood in the Hills: Can Manipur Ever Heal?

ON the afternoon of 30 May 2026, a heavy, somber silence fell over the Press Club of India on Raisina Road. Outside, the capital sweltered in summer heat, but inside, the air was thick with the collective grief of a people pushed to their absolute brink. Organised by the Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO) Delhi & NCR, a press conference brought together community leaders, scholars, and heartbroken family members. Their purpose was clear yet devastating: to sound an urgent alarm on what they describe as the systematic persecution and targeted victimization of the Kuki-Zo people in Manipur.

For over three years, since ethnic violence first tore through the northeastern state in May 2023, the region has been trapped in a relentless cycle of bloodshed. Yet, the catalyst for this emergency gathering was a fresh tragedy: a shocking act of violence that has shattered the fragile hope for peace in the hills.
 
An Ambush on Peace: The Slain Pastors
The conference opened with a deeply moving address by Dr. Mary Grace Zou, a prominent Delhi University educator and a fierce voice for the Kuki-Zo community. Her voice trembled but remained steady as she detailed the events of 13 May 2026.

On that morning, between 10 AM and 11 AM, two civilian vehicles were navigating the road between Kotzim and Kotlen villages in Kangpokpi district. Inside were unarmed church leaders returning from a religious and peace conference in Churachandpur (Lamka). The gathering had focused entirely on reconciliation among tribal Christian communities.

Without warning, roughly ten armed men carrying automatic weapons ambushed the vehicles. A spray of bullets claimed the lives of three senior Kuki-Zo pastors: Rev. Dr. Vumthang Sitlhou, Rev. Kaigoulun Lhouvum, and Pastor Paogoulen Sitlhou. Four others were left severely injured.

 
“These were not warriors,” a subsequent speaker would echo. “They were shepherds of peace.”

Rev. Dr. Sitlhou was a highly respected peace advocate who had been actively working with the Nagaland Joint Christian Forum to heal the fractures between the Kuki-Zo and Naga communities. Dr. Zou emphasized that targeting these leaders was a deliberate strike against the very idea of reconciliation. Kuki apex bodies allege that the attack was executed by the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF-Kamson faction), acting as a proxy for NSCN-IM operatives and valley-based Meitei insurgent groups.
 
The panelist revealed that the victims were completely unarmed and returning from a religious and peace-focused gathering focused entirely on harmony among tribal Christian communities. Kuki-Zo apex bodies allege that the attack was carried out by the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF-Kamson faction) in collusion with NSCN-IM operatives and valley-based Meitei insurgent groups.
 
Dr. Zou raised serious questions about the ongoing impunity of groups under active ceasefire agreements. “NSCN-IM is bound by a formal Ceasefire Agreement with the Government of India. These rules explicitly prohibit offensive operations, ambushes, and attacks causing loss of life. Violations undermine the peace process, yet repeated allegations of involvement persist, creating a climate of impunity.”
 
A Century of Displacement and Fragmented Unity
Taking the podium next, Mr. Thangminlal Doungel, a research scholar and Vice President of KSO Delhi & NCR, placed the current bloodshed into a broader, documented historical context. He dismantled the harmful political rhetoric that labels the Kuki-Zo people as “foreigners” or “migrants” on their own land.

“We stand here to place the facts on the table. Documented facts. Recorded facts,” Mr. Doungel argued, citing historical records, colonial gazetteers, and census data. “The Kuki people were here. Long before British boots touched this soil. Long before modern boundaries were drawn. We are not migrants. We are an indigenous people and the record says so.”
 
Mr. Doungel outlined a painful, century-long pattern of displacement stretching from colonial forest policies through the horrific violence of 1992-1993, when over a thousand Kuki civilians were killed by armed cadres. He also slammed the quiet, bureaucratic erosion of tribal constitutional rights under Article 371C, where hundreds of hill villages were systematically brought under valley-based revenue jurisdiction without consulting the Hill Areas Committee (HAC).
 
Doungel emphasized that Meitei groups and political leaders are actively utilizing a “divide and rule” tactic to pit the Kuki-Zo and Naga communities against each other.  Reports of armed radical groups like the Arambai Tenggol operating in Naga-inhabited hill areas suggest a coordinated effort to prevent tribal unity and maintain dominance, effectively outsourcing the violence.
 
The Ultimate Test of Faith: A Son’s Forgiveness
Perhaps the most gripping moment of the afternoon came via video conference from Manipur. Haominlun Sitlhou, the son of the murdered Rev. Dr. Vumthang Sitlhou, stared into the camera from his home. The audience listened in breathless silence.

Instead of calling for vengeance, Haominlun spoke from a place of deep Christian faith. He publicly forgave his father’s killers and made a passionate plea for peace. He begged both the Kuki and Naga communities to immediately release all hostages taken in the tense aftermath of the ambush, warning that further retaliation would only destroy both sides.

His father’s legacy was one of bridge-building; Rev. Dr. Sitlhou’s own mother belonged to the Naga Rongmei community, and his family had spent generations spreading faith and fellowship across ethnic divides. The young man’s grace in the face of profound personal loss stood as a powerful rebuke to the ongoing violence.
 
The Demand for Accountability and a Way Forward
The conference concluded with powerful appeals from Ms. Kim Haokip, spokesperson for the Kuki-Zo Women Forum Delhi, and Professor Pauthang Haokip of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU).
 
Ms. Haokip spoke passionately about the ongoing hostage crisis, noting that 14 Kukimen remain unaccounted for after being abducted following the May 13 ambush.

“Pastors are not warriors. They are shepherds of peace, prayer, and compassion,” Ms. Haokip stated. “No mother should have to wonder whether her son will return home. No wife should have to wait endlessly for news of her husband. Silence in the face of injustice only encourages further violence.” She added, “The Kuki community has the right to defend its existence, its villages, and its people against aggression. Asking for justice, security, and survival should never be twisted into a false narrative of aggression.”
 
Professor Pauthang Haokip warned of the total self-destruction facing the region if the cycle of revenge continues. He noted that regular Naga and Kuki people are by and large peace-loving, but are being manipulated by anti-social elements spreading hatred for personal interest while the state government remains silent.

“What political gain are we getting? We are causing self-destruction from either side,” Professor Haokip warned. “Younger generations are easily swayed by this propaganda. If this goes beyond, the destruction will be massive and beyond our imagination. There will be no winner for the Nagas and Kukis. The only thing is by living together under territorial land with mutual respect between these communities. The sooner we realize, the better it would be.”

 
The Urgent Need for Healing
What this press conference makes undeniably clear is that Manipur can no longer be treated with temporary, band-aid solutions or selective justice. The tragic ambush of peaceful pastors and the subsequent hostage crisis are symptoms of a much deeper institutional failure. When peacemakers are murdered with absolute impunity, the entire fabric of a democratic society is under threat.
 
For true peace to return, both the Central and State governments must cast aside political calculations and intervene with complete neutrality. The rule of law must be restored equally, ground rules of ceasefires must be rigidly enforced, and perpetrators must face transparent legal consequences, regardless of their ethnic identity.
 
Beyond security measures, a lasting constitutional and political solution “one that respects the land, security, and dignity of the Kuki-Zo people” is the only way to prevent total destruction. Manipur does not need more weapons, more propaganda, or more walls; it desperately needs justice, healing, and the political courage to forge a path toward peaceful coexistence.

VIDEOS

Dr. Mary Grace Zou

Mr. Thangminlal Doungel

Mr. Haominlun Sitlhou

Ms. Kim Haokip

Prof. Pauthang Haokip

Dr. Thangpu Guite

 
~ Bruce K. Thangkhal
New Delhi | 31.05.2026