Imphal, May 24: The Kuki Organisation for Human Rights Trust (KOHUR) has accused the United Naga Council (UNC) of attempting to divert attention from the May 13 ambush in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district that claimed the lives of three senior Kuki-Zo Christian clergymen, alleging that the council was trying to shield the conduct of armed Naga groups.
In a rejoinder issued in response to a statement released by the UNC on May 21, KOHUR alleged that the organisation was attempting to portray victims of a planned act of violence as instigators while failing to address allegations linked to the attack and the reported detention of Kuki-Zo civilians in Senapati district.
According to KOHUR, two vehicles belonging to the Thadou Baptist Association India (TBAI) were allegedly attacked with automatic weapons near Saheibung Peak, also known as Zero Point, while returning from a church convention in Churachandpur district. The organisation claimed security personnel had indicated that eight to ten armed individuals were involved in the incident.
The attack resulted in the deaths of Rev. Dr. Vumthang Sitlhou, President of TBAI and former General Secretary of the Manipur Baptist Convention, Rev. Kaigoulun Lhouvum and Pastor Paogoulen Sitlhou. Several others, including church members and drivers travelling in the convoy, reportedly sustained injuries.
KOHUR stated that Rev. Dr. Sitlhou had recently taken part in peace discussions involving Kuki-Zo and Naga Christian leaders and described him as someone who had worked towards improving relations between communities.
The organisation also referred to a May 13 statement allegedly issued by the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF), which reportedly blamed NSCN-IM cadres for carrying out the attack under what it termed a fabricated “ZUF-Kamson” banner. KOHUR questioned the UNC’s silence regarding those allegations.
The rights body further cited a statement by the Tahamzam Youth Forum (TYF), which allegedly acknowledged that 14 Kuki-Zo civilians were being held by the “Naga Village Guard, Northern Command” in exchange for six missing Naga men. KOHUR described the alleged detentions as unlawful and demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all civilians.
It also compared the situation with earlier incidents in Ukhrul district where Kuki villagers had reportedly released detained Tangkhul Naga civilians without conditions.
KOHUR further alleged that the UNC had selectively remained silent on killings involving Kuki-Zo civilians and criticised what it described as inconsistent responses to incidents of violence.
Describing the three deceased individuals as religious figures rather than combatants, the organisation said they had been travelling in clearly identified church vehicles after attending a religious gathering.
KOHUR has called for a transparent and time-bound investigation by the National Investigation Agency into the May 13 attack, along with independent inquiries into other recent incidents of violence. It also demanded the release of the 14 allegedly detained Kuki-Zo civilians as well as the six missing Naga men.
The organisation stated that its primary concern remained the safety of civilians, accountability for violence and preventing further escalation of tensions.
