Ukhrul, August 19: The Foothills Naga Co-ordination Committee (FNCC) on Monday issued a sharp condemnation of what it described as escalating acts of intimidation and violence by Kuki militants against Naga civilians in Manipur’s Ireng and nearby areas.
According to the FNCC, cadres of the Kuki National Front (KNF-P) forcibly entered Naga-inhabited areas on August 10 and again on August 15, threatening and assaulting farmers on their own fields. The committee said the incidents were part of “deliberate acts meant to spread fear and provoke unrest.”
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“What is most alarming is that these militants are moving freely with sophisticated weapons in broad daylight, with complete impunity,” the statement read. The FNCC described the armed presence as “an open display of terror” that not only endangered civilians but also posed “a direct challenge to the very existence of the Naga people.”
While emphasizing that it has “consistently upheld peace and shown restraint,” the FNCC warned that it would not remain passive if authorities failed to act. The group threatened to enforce a total bandh, or shutdown, on the movement of Kukis in Naga-inhabited areas if government forces did not intervene decisively.
“We will not allow our people to live in fear,” the communiqué stated. “If the Kuki militants refuse to respect our peaceful intent, we are fully prepared to respond in a language they understand.”
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