Ukhrul, Jan 11: In response to the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU)’s press statement, the Foothill Naga Joint Action Committee has accused CoTU of undermining its neutral position and urged them to stop their divisive rhetoric and victim-playing tactics.
“We take it with seriousness to the baseless allegations and disrespectful tone of your press communique dated January 09, 2025. Your attempt to address us while undermining our neutral position is both insulting and unacceptable. It is high time the COTU stop its divisive rhetoric and victim-playing tactics,” the Naga Foothill Joint Action Committee’s official document read.
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The Foothill Naga Joint Action Committee also stated,” History is the witness to the countless provocations and encroachments stemming from your illegal immigrant/refugee mindset, aimed at claiming land that does not belong to you. If anyone is guilty of sowing discord, it is COTU, with its repeated attempts to manipulate tribal sentiments and misrepresent facts.
1. Neutrality and respect:
Our commitment to neutrality in the conflict between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities remains steadfast. This neutrality does not grant you the right to mock or challenge our position. We have consistently demonstrated our dedication to peace and neutrality, yet you continue to test our patience with your immature provocations. Your survival depends on the goodwill of those you accused and provoked. It is through our generosity and magnanimity that you are allowed passage through SP Road, which connects Kangpokpi and Churachandpur, ensuring your survival as well as your folks to access for purchase of daily necessities from Senapati-Dimapur.
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2. Konsakhul-Leilon boundary dispute:
If this is truly a village-level issue as you claimed, why did COTU representatives arrive at our gate late at night on January 8, 2025, seeking to apologize? Besides, how can you explain the involvement of your so-called “tiger party/refugee militants” in outraging the modesty of a Naga woman on January 07, 2025, at K. Lungwiram? Your actions contradict your words, and now your modus operandi has already been exposed.
3. Manipulation of religious sentiments:
Do not mistake our adherence to Christian principles as a weakness. Unlike Kukis, which manipulates religious sentiments to play the victim card, your repeated provocations and misuse of Christian ideals for personal and political gain will not be tolerated. We uphold these values with sincerity and expect the same respect in return. If you truly value Christian principles, reflect on your actions and ask yourself how often you lie, distort, fabricate, and manipulate our age-old history.
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4. On the incident involving the deceased:
Your claim that we disrespected the deceased is both false and malicious. The deceased was allowed to pass through with full dignity, reflecting our Christian spirit and respect for humanity.
5. A message to the Zo community:
Historical records revealed that, following the Naga-Kuki conflicts, there were instances where Kuki groups targeted Zo communities, resulting in significant strife and loss of life. Kuki groups have attempted to assert dominance over regions like Churachandpur, traditionally known as Lamka by the Zo community. We urge our Zo brethren to remain vigilant against the divisive tactics employed by certain Kuki factions. Historical evidence indicates that these groups have repeatedly instigated conflicts for their benefit, often at the expense of the Zo people”.
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