IMPHAL: The All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM), “strongly condemns” and raised its “grave concern over the empirical evidences of calculated attacks carried out by nomadic Kuki armed militants on Naga villages of Litan, Sinakeithei, S. Laho Sharkaphung, Thoyee, and Kamjong in Ukhrul district” in Manipur. The Naga student body said these coordinated acts of aggression, involving the use of sophisticated weaponry, illegal drone surveillance, and indiscriminate firing of live ammunition, have resulted in serious injuries to innocent Naga civilians, including gunshot wounds piercing the thigh and feet.
“The deliberate targeting of unarmed villagers by illegal immigrants using sophisticated weapons and inscribing of belligerent title like ‘Kukiland’ within the Naga ancestral lands of Ireng, Konsakhul, Thonglang, and Waphong Inthan in Senapati district in Manipur reflects a systematic attempt to instill fear and destabilize the Naga homeland”, the ANSAM also said. It further said such actions are not isolated incidents but form part of a broader pattern of intimidation and provocation.
Also Read | Fresh Firing Persists in Shangkai–Thawai Area Despite Security Forces Presence
The Naga student body then alleged that the continued presence of massive state and central security forces have failed to prevent these “outrageous attacks”, raising grave and legitimate concerns regarding their operational neutrality and effectiveness.
“Instead, on the contrary, the security forces have unlawfully conducted operations in Naga areas dismantling the traditional Naga village bunkers and shelter huts for village guards and repeatedly tortured the Naga women folks who were guarding and advocating for peace in the areas affected by gun violence orchestrated by Kuki militants”, the ANSAM also said, adding, “The failure of these security forces to act decisively and take up lawful action against the act of terrorism by suspected Suspension of Operation (SoO) Kuki armed militants and nomadic foreigners have fostered an environment where armed groups operate with impunity, undermining public trust and the very principle of rule of law”.
Also Read | 2 Minor Siblings Killed, Mother injured in Suspected Kuki Militants’ attack in Manipur
The ANSAM then said it was very disappointed over the “conspicuous silence of elected hill representatives in the government specially the Naga parliamentarians and the lack of responsive actions” from both the state and central governments. “This disconnect between the government’s proclaimed commitment to peace and the harsh realities on the ground exposes a widening gap that jeopardizes the safety, dignity, and rights of the Indigenous people in the state particularly to those affected Naga villagers”.
ANSAM then “firmly” asserted that the present situation transcends a mere law-and-order issue. “It constitutes a politically sensitive crisis that directly threatens the security, political and historical rights of the Naga people and the Indigenous populace in the state”, it added.
The Naga student body also said the “continued inaction” will only embolden unlawful elements, exacerbate tensions, and deepen mistrust among indigenous communities.
In view of the escalating situation, the ANSAM called for immediate and decisive intervention by both the state and central governments to ensure the protection of Naga villages and the “indigenous populace” as a whole affected by the act of terrorism to restore public peace and order.
Also Read | IRS (Retd) K Timothy Zimik Addresses Guv on Root Cause of Manipur Ethnic Crisis
The ANSAM then demanded the sincere approach of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India, in dealing with the prevailing situation. It added that any forces and government’s law enforcing agencies that fail to uphold impartiality and protect the civilian lives and properties forfeits its legitimacy in conflict zones.
The ANSAM then reiterated its unwavering commitment to raise up in safeguarding the historical and political rights of the Naga people.
The ANSAM then cautioned that the “continued partial action of the Government of Manipur and India in favor of the nomadic armed militants and illegal immigrants and negligence of this crisis will have far-reaching consequences for peace and stability in the region”.
Also Read | 5 Women Reportedly injured in confrontation with RAF personnel at Ukhrul’s Leingangching