KOHUR Condemns Naga Army Statement, Demands Probe into Killing of Two Kuki Civilians

The Kuki Organisation for Human Rights (KOHUR) on Monday strongly condemned a press release issued by the group identifying itself as the “Government of the People’s Republic of Nagalim, Eastern Flank, Naga Army,” calling the statement “inflammatory, factually distorted, and provocative.”

In a statement, KOHUR alleged that the release, signed by Lt. Gen. A. Raman, promoted a one-sided narrative containing “historical falsehoods, supremacist land claims, and incitement that could escalate tensions” in the already volatile hill districts of Manipur.

The organisation reiterated that the Kuki-Zo community seeks peaceful coexistence with all communities, including the Naga population, and rejected claims that portray Nagas as the sole “landowners” of the hill areas while labeling Kuki-Zo people as immigrants or encroachers. According to KOHUR, such assertions ignore the long-standing indigenous presence of Kuki-Zo communities in the region.

KOHUR also accused the Naga Army statement of misrepresenting recent incidents of violence, particularly the clashes in Litan. It said the release attributed the violence entirely to “Kuki militants” while allegedly overlooking the involvement of Tangkhul groups.

The organisation highlighted the killing of two Kuki civilians earlier this month. According to KOHUR, Thengin Baite (around 40–45), a resident of Thawai Kuki village, and Thangboimang Khongsai, also known as Lunkim (around 35), an internally displaced person, were abducted on March 11 near the Thawai–Leingangching area in the Mapithel hill range spanning Ukhrul and Kamjong districts. The victims were reportedly tortured and shot dead, and their bodies were recovered from a forested area on March 12. A third civilian was allegedly assaulted and shot in the leg but survived.

KOHUR claimed the abduction and killings were carried out by suspected Tangkhul Naga volunteers or militants, despite what it described as an existing understanding of non-aggression between the communities.

The organisation further said that in the aftermath of the incident, Kuki volunteers detained around 21 Tangkhul Naga civilians—including women, children, and elderly persons—along the Imphal–Ukhrul road. However, following appeals from Kuki churches, civil society groups, and humanitarian organisations, as well as intervention from the Union Home Ministry, the Manipur government, and security forces, the detainees were released unharmed late on March 11 or early on March 12.

KOHUR described the release as evidence of restraint and a commitment to de-escalation by the Kuki community.

The organisation has called for an immediate and impartial investigation by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) into the killings of the two civilians and demanded that those responsible be identified and prosecuted.

It also urged all groups to refrain from inflammatory rhetoric, economic blockades, and calls for mobilisation that could inflame tensions. KOHUR appealed to the Government of India, the Manipur government, and security forces to ensure impartial protection of civilians and prevent armed groups from escalating ethnic tensions.

Reiterating its position, KOHUR said the Kuki-Zo community seeks “peace with justice” and remains open to dialogue based on mutual respect and recognition of the region’s multi-ethnic reality.