Imphal : The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) has acknowledged that six Naga civilians abducted during the ongoing Naga-Kuki conflict were killed by members of the Kuki-Zo community, issuing a public apology and calling for an impartial investigation into all incidents of violence linked to the unrest.

Addressing a press conference at Churachandpur district headquarters on Thursday, KZC chairman Henlienthang Thanglet admitted the community’s involvement in the killing of the six hostages and described the act as an emotional response amid escalating tensions.

“I admit the Kuki-Zo community made a great mistake in killing the six Kutcha Naga civilians. It was done out of emotion. I strongly criticise it and apologise on behalf of my people,” Thanglet said.

He said the incident had damaged the image of the Kuki-Zo community and expressed regret over the loss of civilian lives. According to Thanglet, tensions between the communities intensified following a clash that reportedly began with a drunken altercation in Ukhrul district earlier this year.

The KZC chairman alleged that 14 Kuki-Zo individuals were killed and several houses were set ablaze during subsequent violence, fuelling anger and resentment within the community. He also raised concerns over what he described as restrictions on access to essential commodities for Kuki residents in certain Naga-majority areas of Ukhrul district.

Thanglet urged the government to ensure uninterrupted access to food, medicines and other basic necessities for affected residents.

KZC spokesperson Ginza Vualzong called for a comprehensive and impartial investigation into all incidents connected to the conflict. He said the probe should cover not only the killing of the six Naga civilians but also the deaths of 14 Kuki civilians and the reported burning of Kuki villages.

Vualzong further demanded strict action against armed groups involved in attacks on civilians and sought investigations into locations allegedly used to shelter perpetrators of violence.

The six Naga civilians were abducted from Leilon Vaiphei village in Kangpokpi district on May 13. Their bodies were later recovered on June 10 from an area near a Kuki-Zo village, sparking outrage and deepening tensions between the two communities.

The Kuki-Zo Council also appealed to authorities to reopen blocked routes passing through Naga-dominated areas and ensure the free movement of healthcare services, food supplies, medicines, fuel and other essential commodities to conflict-affected regions.

The latest statement marks the first public admission by the KZC regarding the killings and comes amid growing calls for accountability, reconciliation and measures to prevent further escalation of ethnic tensions in the state.