Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Imphal: The Kuki Organisation for Human Rights Trust has launched a scathing attack against the United Naga Council, accusing the group of downplaying a lethal ambush that killed three senior Kuki-Zo Christian clergymen. The violence occurred on May 13 near Saheibung Peak in Manipur, when gunmen opened fire on a vehicle convoy returning from a church convention. Rev. Dr. Vumthang Sitlhou, Rev. Kaigoulun Lhouvum, and Pastor Paogoulen Sitlhou were killed in the assault.
KOHUR officials claim that the council is attempting to reframe the victims as instigators rather than peaceful religious figures. They highlighted that Rev. Sitlhou had been actively involved in peace consultations between Kuki-Zo and Naga leaders shortly before his death. The organization also criticized the council for failing to address allegations that NSCN-IM cadres carried out the attack while using a false banner.
Beyond the killings, the rights group demanded the immediate release of 14 Kuki-Zo civilians reportedly held by the Naga Village Guard. KOHUR described the detention as an unlawful act of hostage-taking in exchange for missing Naga men. They criticized the council for remaining silent on these captives while ignoring previous instances where Kuki villagers released detained Naga civilians without conditions. By failing to condemn the recent violence against religious figures, KOHUR argues the council has demonstrated a pattern of selective silence that shields armed groups.
However, Kuki Organisation for Human Rights Trust failed to mention the 6 Naga men, out of which 2 are Pastors who went missing after Kuki villagers in Leilon Vaiphei kidnapped them. These 6 Naga men were kidnapped with 14 Nagas who were later exchanged with the 14 Kukis kidnapped by the Naga groups in retaliation of the kidnapping at Leilon Vaiphei. The Naga People's Union, an apex civil society and community organization representing Naga residents living in the Imphal Valley of Manipur is organising a protest on 25th May 2026 at Checkon Tribal Market in Imphal, Manipur for the failure of the Govt to find the missing 6 Nagas.
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