In an open letter, Haokip praised Zeliangrong leaders for preventing local incidents from escalating into a wider Naga-Kuki conflict. Haokip urged all communities to reject “hardline elements” and preserve peace, unity, and brotherhood despite ongoing tensions in the hill districts.
BY PC Bureau
May 15, 2026 — In a emotional open letter, PS Haokip, President of the Kuki National Organisation (KNO), has apologised to Zeliangrong leaders for recent actions by Kuki youths and appealed for continued brotherhood, wisdom, and restraint to prevent further ethnic conflict in Manipur.
Addressed to Jianchui Kamei, Chairman of the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF), and leaders of the Zeliangrong Baudi, the letter expresses deep regret over what Haokip described as the “irresponsible actions” of certain Kuki youngsters while also highlighting decades of historical ties, mutual respect, and coexistence between the Kuki and Zeliangrong communities.
Haokip begins the letter by acknowledging the support and solidarity extended by Zeliangrong leaders to the Kuki community since the outbreak of violence involving Meitei groups in May 2023. He praised Jianchui Kamei for demonstrating what he called “fearless and principled leadership” by refusing to allow localised incidents to escalate into a wider Naga-Kuki confrontation.
According to Haokip, the restraint shown by Zeliangrong leaders during periods of heightened tension prevented attempts by “hardline elements” to provoke a broader ethnic conflict in the hill districts.
The letter refers extensively to the killing of three Kuki Christian leaders, including Reverend V. Sitlhou and two other pastors, who were ambushed on May 13, 2026, while returning from a religious programme.
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Describing the attack as a “Satanic ploy” intended to divide communities and ignite hatred, Haokip alleged that the killings were linked to the ZUF-Kamson faction, which he claimed maintains ties with NSCN-IM networks. He condemned the targeting of unarmed church leaders as an assault not only on individuals but on the moral and spiritual foundations of society itself.
“The killing of pastors and emissaries of peace is not merely an attack on persons, but an attack on humanity, reconciliation, and the moral conscience of society,” the letter stated.
Haokip also touched upon recent tensions within Naga insurgent circles. He cited the March 28, 2026, killing of four NSCN (EF) cadres by NSCN (IM) members in Hongbei village of Kamjong district. The incident was followed by retaliatory arson attacks targeting houses belonging to senior NSCN (IM) leaders, including that of V.S. Atem.
KNO Chief PS Haokip’s Open Letter
According to the KNO president, certain groups allegedly attempted to portray the violence as a broader Kuki-versus-Naga confrontation in order to convert what he described as a “fratricidal feud” into a pan-Naga ethnic issue against Kukis.
Haokip expressed deep pain over retaliatory reactions by some Kuki youths in the aftermath of recent violence. In one of the most emotional portions of the letter, he offered an unqualified apology to Zeliangrong leaders and communities.
“I am at a loss for words. I do not condone such irresponsible actions. I am in no way fit nor qualified to seek pardon from you all. But I do so, with folded hands, beseeching your forgiveness,” he wrote.
The KNO leader recalled earlier efforts to strengthen ties between the two communities. He mentioned hosting an Agape Feast, or Love Feast, for former Zeliangrong leaders and honouring them with traditional shawls as symbols of friendship and brotherhood.
Haokip also referred to a booklet published under his initiative documenting the shared history of peaceful coexistence and mutual respect between Kukis and Zeliangrong people since the time of Pu Jamchungnung Singson. He said the publication was intended to help future generations understand the historical bonds between the communities and resist divisive narratives.
A significant portion of the letter highlighted a high-level coordination meeting convened by the United Naga Council on April 24, 2026, at Tahamzam in Senapati district.
According to Haokip, several civil society organisations from Chandel and Tamenglong districts opposed attempts to adopt aggressive resolutions against the Kuki-Zo community during the meeting. Their intervention, he said, prevented escalation and demonstrated maturity and responsibility among Zeliangrong leaders.
In his concluding appeal, Haokip urged Zeliangrong brothers and sisters to continue exercising “wisdom, discernment, and restraint” and to reject attempts by “political opportunists and hardline elements” to drag communities into “a destructive cycle of ethnic hatred and bloodshed.”
He stressed that the true strength of the Zeliangrong people lies not in retaliation but in prudence, justice, and the ability to distinguish truth from provocation.
“Let us not allow the ambitions and political games of a few hardline elements to divide communities that have lived side by side for generations,” Haokip wrote. “Let’s all live together in peace, love, unity and brotherhood.”
The letter comes at a time when Manipur continues to grapple with deep ethnic divisions, mistrust, displacement, and sporadic violence across several hill districts.
Community leaders, church organisations, and civil society groups across communities have condemned the killing of Rev. Sitlhou and the two pastors, calling for a transparent investigation and justice for the victims.
Observers view Haokip’s letter as a significant attempt to prevent further deterioration of relations between Kuki and Zeliangrong communities at a particularly volatile moment in Manipur’s ongoing ethnic crisis.
