Photo Courtesy: Representative Image
Imphal: The Kuki-Zo Council admitted its members murdered six Naga civilians during the ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur. The group offered a public apology Thursday, marking a shift from earlier claims that the hostages were alive. Chairman Henlienthang Thanglet addressed the press in Churachandpur.
"I admit the Kuki-Zo community made a great mistake in killing the six Naga civilians. It was done out of "emotions". I strongly criticise it and apologise on behalf of my people", Thanglet said, reportedly using a slur word "Kacha Naga" to the victim's community. He insisted the violence does not define his entire community.
The trouble started May 13 when armed groups abducted the victims from Leilon Vaiphei village. Their bodies turned up near Kharam Vaiphei on June 10. The discovery sparked widespread protests and vigils across the state. The kidnappings followed the ambush and death of three Thadou church leaders earlier that day.
Thanglet pointed to a drunken brawl in Litan as a flashpoint for the wider conflict. He claimed 14 Kuki-Zo individuals died and homes burned during that fallout. Council spokesperson Ginza Vualzong now wants an impartial probe into all recent killings and village burnings. He also pressed the government to protect supply lines for food and medicine in isolated areas.
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