UKHRUL: The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) condemned what it described as continued acts of aggression by sections of the Tangkhul community in Ukhrul and Kamjong districts against the Kuki-Zo people. It claimed that the burning of Lanchah Kuki Village on Tuesday in Kamjong District represented a serious escalation and called for accountability and immediate intervention.
The organisation further mentioned incidents including the burning of Gampal and Haijang, alleged armed attacks on Kuki villages, and the killing of Kuki civilians. It stated that the Kuki community had responded with restraint in an effort to preserve peace and maintain inter-community coexistence.
According to the KIM, despite what it described as sustained provocations, the Kuki community had refrained from retaliatory actions in order to avoid further conflict.
The organisation claimed that repeated attacks on civilians and the destruction of Kuki settlements pointed to a troubling pattern that could further strain inter-community relations. It called on authorities and citizens to condemn such actions and take steps to prevent further escalation.
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The KIM also noted that the reported burning of Lanchah Village came at a time when the Nagaland Joint Christian Forum (NJCF) had appealed for an immediate cessation of hostilities. It stated that actions undermining such peace efforts were detrimental to broader initiatives aimed at stability and reconciliation.
Additionally, the organisation alleged that Kuki residents in Chassad and nearby areas were facing restrictions on access to essential commodities from neighbouring Tangkhul communities. It described the situation as a humanitarian concern and urged authorities and civil society groups to ensure that essential needs are met without discrimination.
Reiterating its stated commitment to peaceful coexistence and mutual respect with neighbouring communities, the KIM said the Kuki people had exercised restraint and avoided retaliation. At the same time, it maintained that the community remained prepared to protect its land, rights, and people if faced with further aggression.
The organisation called for immediate and effective measures to restore normalcy, prevent further incidents, and ensure accountability.