The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) has strongly condemned the killing of two Kuki-Zo villagers whose bodies were found under disturbing circumstances on March 13, 2026. In a statement issued from its headquarters in Churachandpur , the council described the incident as a brutal and inhumane act and called for justice for the victims.According to the statement, the victims have been identified as Trenkhognin Baite (42) from Thowai Kuki village in Kamjong district and Thangboimang Khongsai (35) from Shangkai village in Ukhrul district of Manipur. The bodies of the two men were reportedly discovered blindfolded with their hands tied behind their backs.The Kuki-Zo Council said the manner in which the victims were found points to a cruel and merciless killing of innocent civilians. The organisation said the incident has deeply shocked the Kuki-Zo community and condemned the crime in the strongest terms.
The council also expressed concern over the developments surrounding the case. According to the statement, 18 Tangkhul individuals were reportedly detained in connection with the disappearance of the two men before their bodies were discovered. However, the council alleged that the response from the Manipur government and some organisations appeared to focus more on the detention of these individuals rather than on the fate of the missing villagers.The Kuki-Zo Council said this reaction reflects what it described as a painful reality in which the lives and safety of Kuki-Zo people are often overlooked. The organisation stated that the continued violence and discrimination faced by the community has created a deep sense of insecurity among the people.
In its statement, the council said the present situation in Manipur has strengthened its belief that the safety and dignity of the Kuki-Zo people cannot be ensured under the current political arrangement in the state.The organisation reiterated its long-standing demand for a Union Territory with a legislature for the Kuki-Zo people. It said the demand is not only political but is linked to the survival, safety, and future of the community.
