NSCN-IM must not be allowed to operate with impunity in Manipur says Kuki Zo Council

The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) has strongly condemned the brutal killing of four Kuki-Zo civilians, including two women, in separate attacks on L. Tollen and Longpi villages in Tamenglong and Noney districts on 13 September.

In a release on Monday, KZC stated that the attacks lay bare the brutality of Naga armed groups operating in Manipur and serve as a chilling reminder that violence against Kuki-Zo civilians continues unabated.

KAZ stated that ‘At L. Tollen, Seineh Singsit and his wife, Lhingzangai Singsit, were killed, while their six-year-old son sustained a horrific gunshot injury to his hand, reportedly leaving the limb nearly severed. At Longpi, Julie Gangte, a pregnant woman, and Thangvel Roel Gangte, the only son of his family, were killed, while Nei Esther sustained critical injuries”.

The double standards of Naga leaders in Manipur and the brutality of Naga armed groups can no longer be ignored says KZC.

“While Naga leaders loudly demand justice for six Naga deaths, they remain silent over the 22 Kuki-Zo civilians reportedly killed by Naga armed groups since the beginning of 2026, including women and children. Such selective outrage is not justice, and claims of victimhood cannot be used to obscure the suffering of others”, the release added.

KZC also condemns the ‘apparent unwillingness’ of Naga political and civil society leaders to pursue meaningful reconciliation and dialogue to end the Naga-Kuki-Zo violence.

Expressing deep concerned by reports attributing the attacks to NSCN-IM cadres operating through or alongside ZUF-K and Naga Village Guards, KZC demanded that the Government of India must act decisively.

“NSCN-IM must not be allowed to operate with impunity in Manipur, particularly in the absence of a ceasefire agreement covering the state. Continued armed-group activity threatens civilians and risks pushing Manipur towards another full-scale conflict”, stated the release

KZC further stated that the Kuki-Zo people have endured enough bloodshed. Justice must be equal, accountability universal, and civilian lives protected without discrimination.