Cracks appear within 'Kuki-Zo communities' as... Hmar Inpui withdraws from KZC

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jul 1: Revealing clear cracks and conflicting interests within communities, the Hmar Inpui has formally withdrawn from the Kuk-Zo Council (KZC).
In a letter addressed to the president, KZC, Hmar Inpui said the decision to withdraw was taken after extensive deliberation and careful consideration.
The decision was not taken lightly. This decision was taken pursuant to resolutions adopted by the 15th Hmar Inpui Assembly held on April 16, 2026, following extensive deliberations and careful consideration, said the Hmar Inpui.
The Hmar Inpui stressed that the KZC has not adequately upheld the principle of inclusivity among all Zohnathlak tribes.
Hmar Inpui had joined the KZC with the conviction that it would serve as a common political platform for all 'Zohnathlak tribes' in Manipur and provide leadership for a united, sustained, and inclusive people's movement toward the realization of "our shared" political aspirations.
However, upon thorough assessment and reflection on the direction and internal functioning of the Council, Hmar Inpui has come to the considered view that KZC has not adequately upheld the principle of inclusivity among all Zohnathlak tribes and has diverged from the foundational ideals upon which it was established, it said.
"Consequently, it is felt that the Council has not evolved into the common political platform originally envisaged to collectively advance its stated objectives," it added.
Notwithstanding this resolution, Hmar lnpui remains open to broader consultations and constructive engagement toward exploring new possibilities for establishing a genuinely inclusive political platform and for reassessing and strengthening "our future political course." Hmar Inpui remains steadfast in its commitment to "our collective political aspirations," it added.
The withdrawal of the Hmar Inpui from the KZC came amid the latter facing intense public scrutiny over its public admission to "Kuki-Zo"  killing six Naga civilians recently.
The six Nagas, all men, were among 18 persons detained, abducted from Lei- lon Vaiphei village on May 13 and subsequently held hostage.  While all the other hostages were released days later, dismembered bodies of the six men were  recovered on June 10.
Notably, in a press conference on June 25, KZC chairman Henlianthang Thanglet had admitted that the killing of the six Naga hostages was driven by "emotion". Many civil organisations have since demanded immediate arrest of the KZC leaders in connection with the case.