Nagaland and Delhi-based Naga organisations condemn KZC chairman's "Kacha Naga" remark, demand an unconditional apology and accountability over the killing of six Naga civilians.
Imphal, June 26: Two Naga organisations—Zeliangrong Youth Front Nagaland (ZYFN) and the Naga Students' Union, Delhi (NSUD)—have separately condemned the use of the term "Kacha Naga" by Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) Chairman Henlianthang Thanglet, demanding an unconditional public apology and calling for accountability in connection with the recent killing of six Naga civilians.
In separate statements issued on Friday, both organisations criticised the terminology used by the KZC chairman and said it was offensive to the identity and dignity of the Naga people.
The Zeliangrong Youth Front Nagaland addressed its statement directly to Henlianthang Thanglet, describing his remarks made during a media briefing in Churachandpur as "provocative" and "historically ignorant."
According to ZYFN, the use of the term "Kacha Naga" was not only derogatory but also reflected what it described as ignorance of Naga history. The organisation stated that the expression was a colonial-era term historically used to divide and marginalise Naga tribes and said its use constituted an insult to the identity and dignity of the community.
The organisation also referred to the recent killing of six Zeliangrong Naga civilians from Leilon Vaiphei village in Kangpokpi district, stating that the remarks came at a time when the Naga community was mourning the deaths of the victims.
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ZYFN noted that Henlianthang Thanglet had described the killings as a "great mistake" and expressed regret. However, it maintained that the statement did not amount to an adequate apology, alleging that the remarks were accompanied by what it termed provocative language and allegations against Naga organisations.
The organisation demanded that the KZC chairman issue an unconditional, unequivocal and public apology to the Zeliangrong community and the wider Naga people for using the term "Kacha Naga" and for what it described as hateful and provoking statements.
It further warned that any continued refusal to apologise could lead to consequences, stating that the responsibility for any eventuality arising from such remarks would rest with the KZC chairman.
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Meanwhile, the Naga Students' Union, Delhi (NSUD) also rejected the Kuki-Zo Council's recent statement concerning the killing of the six Naga civilians.
The student body said the apology issued by the KZC neither amounted to a clear acceptance of responsibility nor reflected accountability for what it described as the "egregious and inhumane" killings. According to NSUD, the statement instead appeared to rationalise and justify conduct that it termed indefensible.
The union also condemned the use of the expression "Katcha Nagas" by representatives of the Kuki-Zo Council, stating that such terminology disregarded established historical scholarship and perpetuated narratives unsupported by credible historical evidence.
It said the repeated use of the term undermined academic discourse while diminishing the unique identity and cultural heritage of the Naga people.
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NSUD also questioned the timing and intent of the KZC statement, arguing that any expression of regret should be accompanied by accountability, including the identification and prosecution of those responsible for the abduction and killing of the six civilians.
The organisation called upon the Kuki-Zo Council to cooperate with law enforcement agencies in identifying and apprehending those responsible for the killings. It also sought clarification on whether the apology had been issued on behalf of those directly implicated in the incident or whether the council itself had any association with the alleged crime.
The Delhi-based student body further urged the government to act with urgency, stating that the rule of law should prevail without compromise. It also reiterated its position that the Charter of Demands submitted by the United Naga Council should be fulfilled in full.
Expressing solidarity with the families of the six victims, NSUD said it remained committed to pursuing truth, justice and accountability. The union added that lasting reconciliation could only be achieved through respect for identity, accountability and adherence to the rule of law.
