Ansam calls Kuki-Zo group’s apology insincere, slams 'Katcha Nagas' remark

Imphal: The All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (Ansam) said no apology over the killing of six abducted Naga civilians can be accepted until those responsible are identified, arrested and punished under the law, responding to the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) statement expressing remorse and describing the incident as a “grave mistake” driven by emotion.In a statement, Ansam said the KZC remarks “neither constitutes an apology nor an admission of the unlawful and inhumane crime committed by the KNF(P) and Leilon Vaiphei Kuki Villagers on 13 May, 2026.”Ansam said it viewed the statement “not as an act of repentance but as an affront that aggravates the pain and anguish already suffered by the Naga people.”“The derogatory and contemptuous use of the term ‘Katcha Nagas’ by these nomadic leaders, who are also refugees historically, is wholly unacceptable, historically untenable and profoundly offensive.

It amounts to a direct challenge against the identity, history and dignity of the Naga people. Far from demonstrating remorse, the use of such pejorative and concocted nomenclature following a barbaric crime committed by the Kuki perpetrators reveals a disturbing persistence of prejudice and communal disdain,” the Ansam statement said.Ansam said the killing of the six hostages took place in Leilon Vaiphei, which it described as a Kuki village located within ancestral Naga territory “inherited and preserved through generations of Naga forefathers.”

It also sought clarity on whether the “apology” issued by the KZC was tendered on behalf of those directly involved in the killings, or whether the council itself bore responsibility or association with the crime.ANSAM reiterated that Nagas were not involved in the killing of three Thadou church leaders. “The unfortunate incident reportedly occurred between Kotzim and Kotlen Kuki village areas, locations where Nagas neither exercise access or influence.

Any attempt to implicate the Nagas in that incident is entirely baseless, malicious and intended solely to manufacture communal animosity through misinformation,” it stated.Calling on the Manipur govt and the Govt of India, Ansam said authorities must act with urgency. “Those responsible for the abduction and brutal killing of the six innocent Naga hostages must be brought before the law without delay. Justice delayed in a matter of such gravity would represent a profound failure of the rule of law and a disservice to the principles of democratic governance,” it asserted, adding, “genuine reconciliation can only emerge from truth, accountability, respect for identity, admittance of the historical facts and the uncompromising administration of justice.

”KZC later said parts of its chairman’s remarks had been misconstrued as an admission of responsibility by the Kuki-Zo community.“KZC wishes to categorically clarify that the chairman’s expression of regret was made purely in the spirit of humanity, compassion, and moral responsibility. His remarks were never intended to assign collective guilt to the Kuki-Zo people or to suggest that the Kuki-Zo community was responsible for the killings,” a KZC statement said on Friday.KZC said its chairman, “in keeping with Christian values and humanitarian principles,” expressed sorrow and extended an apology to the bereaved families after the bodies were recovered from nearby areas inhabited by Kuki-Zo people.“This expression of regret must not, under any circumstances, be misconstrued as an admission, confession, or acknowledgement that the killings were perpetrated by the Kuki-Zo community,” it added.KZC also called for equal and impartial justice for all victims of the conflict. “The killings of Kuki-Zo civilians, the destruction of villages, attacks on churches, the murder of religious leaders, and all other acts of violence must likewise be investigated thoroughly and impartially. Lasting peace cannot be achieved through selective security measures or selective justice,” it said.