By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: The Kuki Organisation for Human Rights Trust (KOHUR) has strongly criticised the United Naga Council (UNC), accusing it of attempting to shield “armed Naga groups” and divert attention from the May 13 attack in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district that left three senior Kuki-Zo Christian leaders dead.
In a response to the UNC’s statement issued on May 21, KOHUR alleged that the council was portraying the victims of what it described as a “planned terror attack” as aggressors, while avoiding questions surrounding the ambush and the alleged detention of 14 Kuki-Zo civilians in Senapati district.
According to the organisation, two vehicles belonging to the Thadou Baptist Association India (TBAI) were allegedly fired upon near Saheibung Peak, also known as Zero Point, while returning from a church programme in Churachandpur district.
KOHUR claimed security personnel informed them that around eight to ten armed men had participated in the attack using automatic weapons.
The incident 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 travelling in the convoy, including church members and drivers, reportedly sustained injuries.
KOHUR stated that Rev. Dr. Sitlhou had recently been involved in peace discussions between Kuki-Zo and Naga Christian representatives, adding that the slain leader had spent his final days working toward reconciliation between the communities.
The rights group also referred to a statement allegedly released by the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) on May 13, which reportedly accused NSCN-IM cadres of carrying out the ambush under the name of a “fake ZUF-Kamson” faction. KOHUR questioned why the UNC had not responded to those allegations.
The organisation further cited remarks by the Tahamzam Youth Forum (TYF), which allegedly stated that 14 Kuki-Zo civilians were being held by the “Naga Village Guard, Northern Command” in exchange for six missing Naga individuals. Describing it as an admission of illegal detention, KOHUR demanded the unconditional release of all civilians allegedly being held.
Drawing comparisons with previous incidents in Ukhrul district, the group claimed Kuki villagers had earlier released detained Tangkhul Naga civilians without imposing conditions and within a short period.
KOHUR also accused the UNC of remaining silent on attacks involving Kuki-Zo civilians, including the killing of the three church leaders. It alleged that the council’s selective responses had undermined its credibility.
Calling the incident a “targeted attack on religious leaders”, the organisation stressed that the victims were unarmed church members travelling in marked church vehicles after attending a religious event.
The rights body has demanded a transparent and time-bound investigation by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) into the May 13 killings, along with independent probes into other recent incidents of violence. It also sought the release of both the allegedly detained Kuki-Zo civilians and the six missing Naga men.
KOHUR stated that its priority remained protecting innocent lives, ensuring justice for the victims and preventing further violence in the region.