Churachandpur, May 6, 2026: The Kuki Organisation for Human Rights Trust (KOHUR) has issued a detailed rejoinder to the United Naga Council (UNC) over its “Clarion Call” dated May 3, 2026, strongly contesting what it termed as misrepresentation of history, geography, and recent events in Manipur.
In a press
release dated May 5, KOHUR rejected the UNC’s reference to “Southern Nagalim,”
describing it as a political construct rather than a settled geographical
reality. The organisation asserted that areas such as Chandel, Tengnoupal,
parts of Ukhrul and Tamenglong, and the undivided Senapati district are
historically inhabited by multiple indigenous communities, including the
Kuki-Zo people.
KOHUR
further criticised the UNC’s claims of neutrality during the violence that
began in May 2023, stating that such assertions do not align with documented
experiences on the ground. While acknowledging humanitarian support extended by
some Naga individuals and communities, the organisation alleged that there were
also instances where displaced Kuki-Zo civilians faced restrictions and denial
of safe passage.
ALSO READ: United Naga Council (UNC) Urges Naga Organisations to Stand Together Amid Rising Tensions
The
statement also took strong exception to language allegedly used in the UNC’s
communication, including references to Kuki-Zo people as “illegal immigrants.”
KOHUR said such rhetoric contributed to the escalation of violence in 2023,
citing destruction of villages, displacement of thousands, and attacks on
religious institutions.
On the
issue of border areas such as Sanakeithel and Litan, KOHUR emphasised the
shared and interlinked histories of Kuki-Zo and Naga communities, calling for
impartial investigations into incidents of violence rather than unilateral
claims.
The
organisation also addressed concerns regarding the Suspension of Operations
(SoO) agreement, stating that any allegations against signatory groups should
be addressed through established mechanisms like the SoO Joint Monitoring Group
rather than public statements.
Responding
to allegations of collusion between Kuki-Zo groups and the Assam Rifles, KOHUR
termed such claims as unfounded and harmful to the broader security framework,
stressing that the force plays a crucial role in maintaining stability in the
region.
In its
concluding remarks, KOHUR appealed for a structured and credible dialogue
between affected communities, including Kuki-Zo and Naga groups, urging both
the Government of India and the Government of Manipur to facilitate a peaceful
resolution.
The organisation emphasised that sustainable peace in the hills cannot be achieved through rhetoric, but through honest dialogue and mutual understanding among communities.
