Special Correspondent
Ukhrul, June 28:
The Working Committee (WC) of the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) has launched a scathing attack on the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), demanding an unconditional public apology over what it described as an “insensitive and unacceptable” response to the abduction and brutal killing of six Liangmai Naga civilians. The TNL also called on the Government of Manipur to ensure swift justice by arresting all those responsible and dismantling what it termed the “non-existent” KZC.
In a strongly worded press communiqué, the TNL expressed outrage over the KZC’s recent admission that the six Liangmai Naga civilians were abducted and killed “out of emotion.” The victims, all innocent residents of Konsakhul (Konsaram) village, were allegedly abducted from Leilon Vaiphei village on May 13, 2026, and their mutilated bodies were recovered nearly a month later on June 10.
The TNL said the KZC’s expression of regret was “utterly unqualified and unacceptable,” arguing that the gravity of the crime demanded accountability rather than what it termed an immature and insensitive justification.
The organisation further condemned KZC Chairman Henlienthang Thanglet for referring to the victims as “Kacha Naga,” describing the phrase as defamatory, provocative, and offensive to the Naga community. It insisted that the KZC issue an official and unconditional public apology without delay for the use of the term.
Reiterating that the KZC had publicly acknowledged responsibility for the killings, the TNL urged the Government of Manipur to act decisively to uphold the rule of law.
Among its key demands, the TNL called for the immediate arrest of all perpetrators, stating that those involved must be booked, prosecuted in a court of law, and awarded exemplary punishment to ensure justice for the victims and their families.
The organisation also demanded the immediate abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with various Kuki militant groups. It specifically urged authorities to arrest cadres of the KNF-P allegedly involved in the abduction and murder of the six civilians.
In addition, the TNL sought legal action against office-bearers of the Kuki-Zo Council, accusing them of misleading the public during the initial stages of the investigation and holding them responsible for what it termed acts of perjury relating to the gruesome killings.
Pointing out that the Government of Manipur had officially declared the Kuki-Zo Council a non-existent organisation through a notification issued on December 18, 2024, the TNL questioned why it continued to function publicly. It demanded that the government immediately disband the organisation and enforce its own notification.
The TNL stated that justice must not be compromised and warned that only firm legal action against those responsible would restore public confidence and uphold the rule of law in Manipur.