Naga students' group rejects Kuki-Zo Council's apology over killings

Guwahati: All Naga Students' Association, Manipur (ANSAM), has rejected the apology issued by Kuki-Zo Council over the killing of six Naga civilians abducted from Leilon Vaiphei village, saying it "neither constitutes an apology nor an admission" of the crime. Justice cannot be replaced by public statements, it said.

Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), the apex body representing the Kuki-Zo tribal community, on Thursday publicly expressed regret over what it described a "grave mistake" in the killing of six Naga hostages. The KZC chairman admitted that the Kuki-Zo people said that it was done out of emotion. He strongly condemned it and apologised on behalf of his people. Describing the incident as "tragic and unacceptable" and stating that it was neither authorised nor approved by any Kuki-Zo political or community leadership, the tribal leader demanded that those responsible be identified and brought to justice through a fair, transparent and impartial investigation.

But ANSAM wanted clarification on whether the apology issued by Kuki-Zo Council was tendered on behalf of those directly involved in the killing of the six Naga hostages or whether the association has taken up responsibility.