Lamka: The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah seeking urgent intervention over what it described as “false and malicious allegations” levelled against Shri Lalboi Vaiphei, Chief of Leilon Vaiphei Village in Kangpokpi district, while urging the Government of India to ensure justice, balanced dialogue, and peace amid the continuing crisis in Manipur.
In a memorandum signed by its Chairman Henlianthang Thanglet and General Secretary Thangzamang today, the KZC alleged that certain Naga organisations had falsely implicated Lalboi Vaiphei in the alleged abduction of civilians through representations reportedly sent to the Prime Minister of India, the Union Home Minister, the Governor of Manipur, and the Chief Minister of Manipur. The council stated that the allegations were later circulated widely on social media, resulting in “defamation, ridicule, hate speech, and targeted attacks” against the village chief.
Calling the accusations “deeply unethical” and unsupported by credible evidence, the Kuki-Zo Council strongly defended Lalboi Vaiphei, describing him as a respected and responsible leader known among both his villagers and neighbouring communities. The organisation categorically asserted that he had “absolutely no connection whatsoever” with the alleged abduction incident and further claimed that he was away from the area for medical reasons at the time the incident occurred.
The memorandum warned that the spread of “baseless allegations and malicious propaganda” had endangered Lalboi Vaiphei’s personal safety and created an atmosphere of hostility capable of worsening tensions in the conflict-hit state.
Appealing directly to the Union Home Minister, the KZC urged the Government of India to conduct a fair and impartial investigation into the matter and clear the name of Lalboi Vaiphei. It also called on authorities to take immediate steps to prevent the circulation of false accusations and ensure his safety, dignity, and protection.
The council further stressed the need for inclusive political engagement in Manipur. While appreciating the initiative of the Chief Minister in holding discussions with the United Naga Council (UNC), the organisation urged the government to also engage with Kuki-Zo leaders in the interest of fairness and balanced governance.
“Failure to do so may create a public perception that the Government is listening only to one side of the issue,” the memorandum stated.
At the same time, the Kuki-Zo Council urged the government to intensify efforts to rescue the hostages “whether dead or alive” and take all necessary measures to prevent another ethnic conflict in the state. Reiterating its commitment to peace and coexistence, the organisation said the Kuki-Zo people did not want further violence and called for every possible effort to preserve communal harmony.
In one of the strongest sections of the memorandum, the council expressed concern that the “merciless killing” of three senior Kuki-Zo pastors was being overshadowed by the hostage issue. The KZC appealed to the Union Home Ministry to ensure that those responsible for the brutal murders are identified and brought to justice, describing the slain pastors as church leaders who dedicated their lives to peace, humanity, and service.
A copy of the memorandum were also forwarded to the Governor and Chief Minister of Manipur.
