The Zeliangrong Students' Union Nagaland and Zeliangrong Students' Union Delhi condemn the use of 'Kacha Naga' and seek justice for six slain Naga civilians in Manipur.
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Reject Kuki-Zo Council apology, demand accountability first
DIMAPUR — The Zeliangrong Students' Union Nagaland (ZSUN) and the Zeliangrong Students' Union Delhi (ZSUD) have strongly condemned the use of the colonial-era term "Kacha Naga" by Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) chairman Henlianthang Thanglet during a press conference and statement issued on 25 June, describing it as deeply offensive, historically inaccurate, and unacceptable.
In a joint statement, the two organisations stated that the Naga community continues to mourn the brutal killing of six innocent Naga civilians who were abducted on 13 May 2026, allegedly tortured, mutilated, and murdered within the Lailon Vaiphei Kuki village area, which they described as ancestral Naga territory.
“The abduction, torture, mutilation, and killing of six innocent civilians is not merely a crime against individuals but a grave assault on the dignity, security, and collective existence of the Naga people,” the statement said.
“There can be no peace, reconciliation, or normalcy until the perpetrators are identified, apprehended, and punished according to the law.”
The ZSUN and ZSUD asserted that the statement issued by the KZC chairman did not constitute a genuine apology or acceptance of responsibility.
Read more: Kuki Zo Council apologises for Naga killings
Instead, they said it reflected “an attitude of arrogance and perceived supremacy” and failed to address the need for legal accountability.
“Justice cannot be replaced by rhetoric, nor can accountability be substituted by carefully crafted declarations,” the organisations stated.
“No statement can be considered sincere or acceptable until those responsible for this barbaric act are brought before the law.”
The two unions particularly condemned the use of the term “Kacha Naga,” describing it as a colonial misnomer that has historically been used to diminish and misrepresent Naga identity.
“The Zeliangrong people are proud Nagas who identify themselves by their rightful names and heritage. ‘Kacha Naga’ is neither our identity nor our chosen name,” the statement said.
“Its deliberate use in a public forum, especially in the aftermath of such a tragic incident, reveals a disturbing persistence of prejudice and communal disdain.”
Questioning the intention behind the KZC chairman’s remarks, the ZSUN and ZSUD maintained that the use of the term was “neither accidental nor born of ignorance, but a conscious expression of contempt.”
Consequently, they rejected the entire statement as “insincere, inadequate, and unacceptable.”
The organisations also urged the Government of Manipur and the Government of India to fulfil their constitutional responsibilities by ensuring a swift and impartial investigation into the killings.
“We demand that those responsible for the abduction, torture, mutilation, and murder of the six Naga civilians be identified, arrested, and punished without further delay,” the statement added.
Calling for collective action, the ZSUN and ZSUD appealed to Naga organisations, churches, and civil society groups to respond with unity and resolve.
“Silence or half-measures in the face of such blatant disrespect will only embolden further assaults on Naga identity and dignity,” they said.
The two student bodies also urged the Government of India and relevant authorities to remove the term “Kacha Naga” from all official records, documents, websites, and communications, replacing it with accurate and respectful nomenclature.
They further appealed to media organisations to refrain from using or perpetuating the term in any form.
Reaffirming their solidarity with the bereaved families, the ZSUN and ZSUD called upon Zeliangrong and Naga youths to remain peaceful and disciplined.
“Our anger is justified, but our response must remain principled. Our strength lies in unity, dignity, and the integrity of our collective struggle,” the statement concluded.
“Genuine reconciliation can only emerge through truth, accountability, respect for identity, and the uncompromising administration of justice.”