Kamjong: Kuki Bodies Condemn ‘Arson and Violence’ in Gampal and Haijang

Ukhrul, April 23: Kuki civil bodies in Manipur have strongly and unequivocally condemned the :arson and violence” committed in the villages of Gampal and Haijang, Sahamphung Sub-Division, Kamjong District on Wednesday.

In a joint statement, the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO-GHQ), Kuki Chiefs’ Association, Manipur (KCA-M), Kuki Women Union (KWU-GHQ) and Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights (KWOHR) said “these heinous attacks have terrorized innocent Kuki civilians and once again imperiled the already fragile peace and stability in the region. The perpetrators of these cowardly acts have inflicted severe trauma, destroyed homes and property, and disrupted the lives of many who are already enduring the weight of ongoing ethnic tensions.”

The Kuki bodies further pointed out that the Wednesday’s attack “is yet another horrifying chapter in the systematic targeting of the Kuki-Zo people, who continue to face violence, displacement, and discrimination. It is deeply alarming that such acts of terror persist under the watch of the Government of India, which has repeatedly failed to uphold its constitutional duty to maintain law and order -particularly during a crisis that demands urgent, sensitive, and just intervention.”

Related | Kachouphung Tangkhul Villagers Providing Shelter to Kukis Fleeing Homes

While the joint statement questioned the continued failure of the central government to address the persistent violence, protect vulnerable communities, and uphold justice in a region long plagued by ethnic conflict, the Kuki bodies also highlighted the absence of timely and effective intervention only reinforces perceptions of bias and negligence in the handling of the Kuki-Zo people’s plight.

The Kuki bodies then placed three demands before the Government of India, in what it described as “the ongoing threat to peace and civilian life”:

1. Immediate rebuilding and restoration of Gampal and Haijang villages, including proper rehabilitation of affected families and fair compensation for losses.

2. Deployment of adequate, neutral security forces to ensure the safety and protection of the villagers and to prevent further violence.

3. Provision of essential supplies including food, medical aid, and shelter to all those displaced or affected, ensuring their humanitarian needs are met without delay.

Related | Kamjong: Prohibitory Order Imposed Following Burning Down of Village Houses by Unknown Miscreants

The Kuki bodies also urged the “Government to act with immediacy, impartiality, and integrity, adding that the people of Gampal, Haijang, and the wider Kuki-Zo community deserve not only protection, but also justice and peace.

“The Kuki-Zo community views this act of terror seriously as this would create misunderstanding between communities in the otherwise peaceful area,” the joint statement added.