KANGPOKPI: The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), Sadar Hills Kangpokpi, has strongly condemned the killing of three Kuki-Zo church leaders near Kotlen village, calling the incident a “barbaric and cowardly ambush” against peace-loving people.
In a statement issued on Thursday, CoTU alleged that the attack was carried out by the NSCN-IM (Kamson faction) using sophisticated weapons and military-style logistics, leading to the death of Rev. V. Sitlhou, Pr. Paogoulen and Pr. Kaigoulun.
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The organisation said the slain church leaders were dedicated to peace, prayer and reconciliation, and termed the killings “a direct attack on humanity, coexistence and religious harmony.”
CoTU particularly referred to Rev. V. Sitlhou as a peace-loving leader who had earlier led a delegation of Kuki Christian leaders to Nagaland in an effort to foster peace and reconciliation between the Tangkhul and Kuki communities in Kamjong and Ukhrul districts.
Expressing condolences to the bereaved families and the Christian community, the organisation stated that violence against religious leaders and civilians could never be justified.
The statement also condemned the detention of five Kuki-Zo individuals in Ireng Liangmei village and 25 persons from Taphou Kuki village, many of whom were reportedly working in Senapati to support their families.
CoTU urged the authorities to ensure their immediate safety and secure return without delay.
In protest against the killing and the reported detention of villagers, CoTU endorsed the 48-hour total shutdown called by Kuki Inpi Manipur, describing it as a democratic expression of public anger and a demand for justice.
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Meanwhile, the United Kuki National Army (UKNA), in a separate press release issued on May 14, also condemned the killing of the three church leaders and expressed condolences to the bereaved families and churches.
The UKNA accused the NSCN-IM of spreading “lies and fabricated narratives” after the Litan incident and alleged that the outfit, along with its proxies, was attempting to divert attention from the demand for Separate Administration.
It also named ZUF-Kamson as being instrumental in furthering what it described as divisive campaigns.
“The UKNA has remained silently observant for long, hoping that peace and Christian values would prevail among all communities. However, the wait is now over,” the statement read.
The non Suspension of Operation outfit further warned that any untoward incident arising from now onwards would be the “sole responsibility” of the NSCN-IM and its proxies.
Both CoTU and the UKNA urged the Government of India and concerned authorities to investigate the incident and prevent further escalation of violence in the region.