The Kuki-Zo Council has urged the Centre to ensure equal justice, restore access to healthcare and essential supplies, and expedite a political solution to the Manipur conflict. A KZC delegation also met senior MHA and Intelligence Bureau officials in New Delhi to press its demands.
BY PC Bureau
New Delhi, July 13: The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) on Monday appealed to the Government of India to ensure what it described as equal justice for victims of the ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur, restore unhindered access to healthcare and essential supplies in Kuki-Zo areas, and expedite political dialogue on its longstanding demand for a Separate Administration in the form of a Union Territory with a Legislature.
In a detailed memorandum submitted to the Centre, the Council alleged that the Kuki-Zo community has continued to face killings, displacement, destruction of villages and humanitarian hardships for more than three years. It urged the Government of India to adopt an impartial approach in addressing violence affecting all communities.
Alleges Fresh Wave of Violence
Addressing a press conference at the Press Club of India in New Delhi, KZC spokesperson Ginza Vualzong claimed that since March 2026, at least 15 Kuki-Zo civilians had been killed and around 55 houses in 14 villages across Kangpokpi, Ukhrul, Kamjong, Noney and Tamenglong districts had been burnt down.
Among the incidents cited were the burning of Leikot village in Noney district on July 2, followed by attacks on Nungthut and Khongmol villages on July 8.
The memorandum alleged that the attacks were carried out by suspected cadres of the NSCN (IM) and the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF-K). These allegations have not been independently verified, and no official agency has publicly attributed responsibility for all the incidents listed by the Council.
According to the KZC, the current phase of violence began after an incident at Litan-Sareikhong in February 2026 and has since spread across several hill districts.
Delegation Meets MHA, IB Officials
A KZC delegation also met senior officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Intelligence Bureau (IB) in New Delhi to present its concerns over the prevailing security situation in Manipur and seek the Centre’s intervention.
During meetings with MHA interlocutor Ajay Lal and IB Director Mahesh Dixit, the delegation submitted a memorandum highlighting recent incidents of violence, humanitarian concerns in Kuki-Zo-inhabited areas and its demand for a separate administrative arrangement.
The Council said it was also seeking appointments with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan to press for immediate measures to restore security and advance a political resolution to the ongoing ethnic conflict.
“The Kuki-Zo community has endured immense hardship during the ethnic conflict. Over the past five months, at least 15 members of our community have lost their lives in attacks allegedly carried out by suspected Naga militants,” Vualzong said.
He further claimed that around 55 houses in 14 Kuki-Zo villages had been burnt down since March 2026, and urged the Centre to ensure impartial justice, strengthen security in vulnerable areas and expedite a lasting political settlement.
Besides KZC spokesperson Ginza Vualzong, the press conference was attended by KZC Chairman Henlianthang Thanglet, Vice Chairman Len Mate, Vice Chairman Yanglet Haokip, and Coordinator Ch. Ajang Khongsai, all of whom reiterated the Council’s demand for equal justice, humanitarian relief and a lasting political solution to the Manipur conflict.
Church Leaders’ Killings
The Council also referred to the May 13 ambush in Kangpokpi district in which three prominent Kuki-Thadou Baptist church leaders—Rev. Dr. Vumthang Sitlhou, Rev. Kaigoulun Lhouvum and Pastor Paogoulen Sitlhou—along with their driver were killed while returning from a peace conference.
The case is presently being investigated by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
The KZC expressed concern that, despite the passage of two months, no arrests have been publicly announced in the case.
Calls for Equal Justice
While condemning the killing of six Naga hostages, the Council alleged that the deaths of 15 Kuki-Zo civilians, including the three church leaders, have not received the same level of urgency in terms of investigation and law enforcement.
It urged the authorities to ensure that all cases of violence are investigated impartially, irrespective of the identity of the victims or the alleged perpetrators.
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Raises Healthcare Concerns
The Council also highlighted what it described as discrimination in access to medical care.
It referred to an incident on June 15 in which three injured Kuki-Zo youths—including footballer Paogoulal Chongloi of Mohun Bagan Super Giant—were allegedly unable to receive treatment at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal, after protests were reportedly staged within the hospital premises.
According to the KZC, the injured youths were subsequently shifted to Churachandpur District Hospital for treatment.
The Council said the episode reflected the insecurity faced by Kuki-Zo residents while accessing public institutions.
Humanitarian Concerns
The memorandum alleged that several Kuki-Zo areas, particularly in Kangpokpi, Ukhrul and Kamjong districts, continue to face severe shortages of essential commodities because of restrictions on transportation routes.
It claimed that the disruption has pushed petrol prices to around ₹250 per litre, while LPG cylinders have reportedly been sold for as much as ₹5,000 in some affected areas.
The Council urged the authorities to ensure uninterrupted movement of food, medicines, fuel and other essential commodities to all affected regions.
Demand for Separate Administration
Reiterating its political demand, the Kuki-Zo Council said repeated incidents of violence, destruction of villages, displacement of thousands of people and the erosion of trust in existing institutions have strengthened its demand for a Separate Administration within the Union of India, preferably in the form of a Union Territory with a Legislature.
The Council argued that such an arrangement would provide lasting security, constitutional safeguards and administrative stability for the Kuki-Zo people.
Key Demands
The KZC urged the Government of India to:
- Ensure a fair, impartial and time-bound investigation into all incidents of violence, including the killings of 15 Kuki-Zo civilians and the burning of villages.
- Guarantee safe and unhindered access to healthcare services for Kuki-Zo patients in public institutions.
- Open all blocked routes and ensure uninterrupted supply of food, medicines, fuel and other essential commodities to affected areas.
- Strengthen security arrangements in vulnerable Kuki-Zo villages to prevent further attacks.
- Expedite meaningful political dialogue to achieve a just and lasting solution that addresses the aspirations of the Kuki-Zo people.
The memorandum comes amid continuing tensions in Manipur, where ethnic violence since May 2023 has displaced thousands and deepened divisions between communities. While the Kuki-Zo Council has reiterated its demand for constitutional and administrative restructuring, the Centre has maintained that peace, security and dialogue remain its priorities in addressing the prolonged crisis.
ANNEXURE – ILIST OF KUKI-ZO VILLAGES BURNT BY SUSPECTED NSCN (Muivah) AND ZUF-K MILLITANTS
| Sl. No | Name of Villages | Districts | Date of Incidents |
| 1 | K. Songlung | Kangpokpi | 26 January 2026 |
| 2 | Litan-Sareikhong | Ukhrul | 8–9 February 2026 |
| 3 | Songphel | Ukhrul | 25 April 2026 |
| 4 | Mullam | Ukhrul | 25 April 2026 |
| 5 | Lanchah | Kamjong | 6 May 2026 |
| 6 | Molnoi | Kamjong (Myanmar Border) | 12 May 2026 |
| 7 | Kharam Vaiphei | Kangpokpi | 30 May 2026 |
| 8 | Loibol Khullen | Kangpokpi | 5 June 2026 |
| 9 | Kultuh Village | Kamjong | 11 June 2026 |
| 10 | Phaimol | Kamjong | 01 July 2026 |
| 11 | Leikot | Noney | 02 July 2026 |
| 12 | Thingkhongjang | Kangpokpi | 05 July 2026 |
| 13 | Nungthut | Noney | 08 July 2026 |
| 14 | Khongmol | Noney | 08 July 2026 |
ANNEXURE – IICHRONOLOGY OF KUKI-ZO CIVILIANS KILLED BY SUSPECTED NSCN (Muivah) AND ZUF-K MILITANTS
| Sl. No | Name of Deceased | Date of Death | Residence/Area | Detailed Circumstances |
| 1 | Mr. Thangboimang Lunkim | 11 March 2026 | Thawai Kuki, Ukhrul District | On 10 March 2026, seven Kuki-Zo, including Mr. Thangboimang Lunkim and Mr. Thengkhogin Baite, were reportedly abducted. In response, Kuki-Zo groups detained 22 Naga individuals, one of whom was later released after being identified as a serving Indian Army personnel. Following negotiations with the Government, the remaining 21 detainees were released as a gesture of goodwill. However, on 11 March 2026, the bodies of Mr. Lunkim and Mr. Baite were recovered, having been brutally murdered. The Ministry of Home Affairs has identified the perpetrators as NSCN (IM), classified as a terrorist gang. |
| 2 | Mr. Thengkhogin Baite | 11 March 2026 | Thawai Kuki, Ukhrul District | Mr. Thengkhogin Baite was killed in the same incident as Mr. Thangboimang Lunkim. The two victims were reportedly on their way to repair a water supply pipeline when they were abducted and subsequently murdered by suspected NSCN (Muivah) militants. Their deaths occurred despite the release of 21 detained Naga individuals by the Kuki-Zo side as a gesture of goodwill following negotiations with the Government. |
| 3 | Mr. Letlal Sitlhou | 24 April 2026 | Songphel-Mullam, Ukhrul District | Mr. Letlal Sitlhou was killed during a pre-dawn attack on Mullam and Songphel villages, allegedly carried out by NSCN (Muivah) militants. The attack reportedly involved the burning of residential houses, resulting in significant property damage and widespread fear among the villagers. |
| 4 | Mr. Paominlun Haolai | 24 April 2026 | Songphel-Mullam, Ukhrul District | Mr. Paominlun Haolai was killed in the same pre-dawn attack on Mullam and Songphel villages. The incident reportedly involved armed assault and burning of houses, leaving the affected Kuki-Zo villages devastated. |
| 5 | Rev. V. Sitlhou | 13 May 2026 | Between Kotzim and Kotlen, Kangpokpi District | Rev. V. Sitlhou was one of the Kuki-Zo church leaders reportedly killed in an ambush between Kotzim and Kotlen villages, allegedly carried out by suspected NSCN (Muivah) militants. The attack is reported to have occurred while the church leaders were involved in peace-building efforts and negotiations with Christian leaders from Nagaland. |
| 6 | Rev. Paogoulen Sitlhou | 13 May 2026 | Between Kotzim and Kotlen, Kangpokpi District | Rev. Paogoulen Sitlhou was killed in connection with the ambush of Kuki-Zo church leaders between Kotzim and Kotlen villages. The incident reportedly left three church leaders dead on the spot and three others severely injured. |
| 7 | Pr. Kaigoulun Lhouvum | 13 May 2026 | Between Kotzim and Kotlen, Kangpokpi District | Pr. Kaigoulun Lhouvum was killed in the ambush involving Kuki-Zo church leaders. The attack was reportedly intended to derail ongoing peace efforts being pursued by the church leaders with Christian leaders from Nagaland. |
| 8 | Mr. Letkhongam Haokip | 5 June 2026 | Loibol, Kangpokpi District | Mr. Letkhongam Haokip was killed in a pre-dawn attack on Loibol Kuki-Zo village allegedly carried out by NSCN (Muivah). The attack reportedly resulted in multiple deaths, burning of houses, and severe destruction in the village. |
| 9 | Mrs. Tinmary | 5 June 2026 | Loibol, Kangpokpi District | Mrs. Tinmary was killed during the attack on Loibol Kuki-Zo village. As per the provided account, one of the victims was charred to death and several houses were also burnt during the assault. |
| 10 | Mr. Jangminlal Haokip | 5 June 2026 | Loibol, Kangpokpi District | Mr. Jangminlal Haokip was among those killed in the pre-dawn attack on Loibol Kuki village. The attack reportedly involved armed violence, burning of homes, and civilian casualties. |
| 11 | Mr. Haogin Lhouvum | 9 June 2026 | Lasan, Tamenglong District | Mr. Haogin Lhouvum was reportedly killed while on his way to engage in farming activities. According to the account provided, he was initially shot in the leg, rendering him unable to escape. It is further alleged that the assailants subsequently approached him, shot him in the head, and subjected his body to mutilation, including injuries to the head and legs. |
| 12 | Mr. Letminlun Haokip | 11 June 2026 | Kultuh, Kamjong District | Mr. Letminlun Haokip was killed in a ruthless incident allegedly involving NSCN (Muivah) and the Sanni Nationalities Army (SNA), a Myanmar-based terror outfit. The incident involved cross-border terrorism, raising serious concerns over national security. Houses were also burnt during the attack. |
| 13 | Mr. Lunminthang Haokip | 11 June 2026 | Kultuh, Kamjong District | Mr. Lunminthang Haokip was killed in the same incident as Mr. Letminlun Haokip. The attack allegedly involved NSCN (Muivah) and the Sanni Nationalities Army, with reports of houses being burnt and cross-border terror elements involved. |
| 14 | Mr. Jangngam Hangshing | 13 June 2026 | Langka/Lasan area, Kangpokpi District | Mr. Jangngam Hangshing was reportedly killed while on duty protecting Kuki-Zo farmers from attacks by Naga militants in the Lasan–Langka area, the same location where Mr. Haogin Lhouvum had earlier lost his life. His death is documented as part of the continuing pattern of violence targeting Kuki-Zo civilians and individuals engaged in the protection of vulnerable farming communities. |
| 15 | Haokholal Singsit | 11 July 2026 | Govajang, T. Vaichong Sub-Division, Kangpokpi | Haokholal Singsit, who was working in his paddy field with his wife, was shot dead by suspected members of the NSCN (Muivah) and the ZUF-K armed group at around 4:00 p.m. When he failed to return home after work, villagers launched a search and later found his body in the field with multiple bullet wounds. |
