Hostage Situation Appears to Have Overshadowed the Killing of Three Kuki-Zo Pastors: Kuki-Zo Council

Expressing concern that the hostage situation appears to have overshadowed the merciless killing of the three senior Kuki-Zo pastors, the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) stated that there is growing concern that public attention is being diverted away from the brutal murder of the three pastors.

On Monday, KZC requested Union Home Minister Amit Shah to make every possible effort to identify and bring to justice those responsible for the heinous crime against innocent church leaders who devoted their lives to serving humanity and promoting peace.

In a letter to the Union Home Minister, the Kuki-Zo Council also expressed concern over the false allegations against Lalboi Vaiphei, Chief of Leilon Village in Kangpokpi district of Manipur. KZC appealed to the Central Government for fair intervention.

The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) stated that the contents of a representation reportedly submitted by certain Naga organisations to the Prime Minister of India, the Home Minister, the Governor of Manipur, and the Chief Minister of Manipur have been widely circulated on social media platforms, resulting in defamation, ridicule, hate speech, and targeted attacks against Lalboi Vaiphei.

Stating that accusing any individual of a serious crime without credible evidence is deeply wrong and unethical, KZC said that Lalboi Vaiphei, as the Chief of Leilon Vaiphei Village, is a respected and responsible leader not only among his own villagers but also among neighbouring communities.

“To the best of our knowledge, Lalboi Vaiphei has absolutely no connection whatsoever with the alleged abduction of civilians. At the time the incident occurred, he was out of station for medical reasons,” the letter added.

The Kuki-Zo Council stated that the baseless allegations and malicious propaganda being spread against the village chief have now endangered his personal safety and security, and that such irresponsible accusations have created an atmosphere of hostility and placed his life at serious risk.

In view of the gravity of the situation, KZC urged the government to conduct a fair and impartial investigation into the matter and clear the name of Lalboi Vaiphei of the baseless allegations.

KZC also requested the government to take necessary steps to prevent the circulation of such false accusations in order to ensure his safety, dignity, and protection.

Appreciating the initiative of the Chief Minister of Manipur in holding discussions with the United Naga Councilregarding the prevailing situation, KZC also appealed to the Government to engage in dialogue with Kuki-Zo leaders in the interest of fairness, justice, and balanced governance.

Failure to do so may create a public perception that the Government is listening only to one side of the issue, KZC stated while urging the Government to leave no stone unturned in rescuing the hostages, whether dead or alive, and to take all necessary measures to resolve this unfortunate situation once and for all.

Stating that the Kuki-Zo people do not want another ethnic conflict, KZC demanded that every effort must be made to preserve peace, harmony, and coexistence among all communities.