Reported by Bit Irom
Imphal: The Thadou Human Rights Advocacy (THRA) has called for a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe into statements made by the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) chairman regarding the recent killing of six Naga civilians.
The organisation is seeking a federal investigation into the KZC’s June 25 press conference to determine whether any groups or individuals had prior knowledge of the killings, assisted in the crimes, or concealed information.
THRA has also demanded the swift arrest and prosecution of all those involved, the disarmament of militant groups operating in the region, and strict enforcement of the rule of law.
At a press conference held in Lamka, the KZC leadership admitted that members of the community were involved in the deaths of the six abducted civilians, describing the incident as a “grave mistake” committed in a moment of emotion.
However, THRA strongly condemned this characterisation, stating that such an apology cannot substitute for legal accountability or absolve those responsible.
The rights advocacy group also pointed to what it described as a broader pattern of violence, drawing parallels between the killing of the six Naga civilians and the unsolved August 2025 murder of Thadou leader Nehkam Jomhao.
THRA further linked these incidents to the May 13 killing of three Thadou Baptist pastors, Rev. V. Sitlhou, Rev. Kaigoulun Lhouvum, and Pastor Paogoulen Sitlhou.
According to THRA, the pastors were killed at a militant checkpoint between Kotlen and Kotzim villages.
Pointing to what it described as inconsistencies between statements made by Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) and the latest remarks by the KZC, THRA raised concerns over possible concealment of evidence and obstruction of justice.