UKHRUL: Kuki bodies, including Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) and Kuki Organization for Human Rights Trust (KOHUR), have condemned and expressed their anguish over the killing of (L) Thenkhogin Baite, 45, of Thawai Kuki village, and (L) Thangboimang Lunkim, 35, an IDP settled in Thawai Kuki village in Ukhrul district, Manipur.
According to KIM, the apex body of the Kuki tribes, the two deceased Kuki civilians, along with Letginthang Haokip, 29, of Thawai Kuki village, were apprehended by suspected cadres of the NSCN-IM on Wednesday morning, in gross violation of the agreements on non-aggression between the Kuki and Tangkhul communities under the aegis of the Peace Working Committee and the Tangkhul Naga Long — Working Committee.
Also Read | CM Promises NIA Probe Over Thawai Kuki Death Case; Imphal-Ukhrul Road Blocked
“While two of the three Kuki civilians were murdered under barbaric conditions, Letginthang Haokip was brutally assaulted and shot in the leg. The cold-blooded murder of the two Kuki civilians and the violent assault on Letginthang Haokip reflect a grave betrayal of the trust shown by the Kuki community, which has consistently called for peace and restraint,” KIM stated.
It stated that its Emergency Cabinet Meeting on Thursday resolved that the Tangkhul Naga Long — Working Committee (TNL-WC) and the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, must produce the perpetrators before KIM, and that the accused must be handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) within 48 hours.
“Failure on the part of the relevant authorities to take prompt and decisive action will inevitably lead to further escalation of tensions, and any such consequences shall rest solely with the Tangkhul Naga Long —Working Committee and the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India,” it warned, adding that the lives of innocent civilians must not be allowed to become casualties of negligence, indifference, or hidden agendas.
Also condemning the killings, Kuki Organization for Human Rights Trust (KOHUR) claimed that the two deceased were reportedly abducted by the NSCN-IM while they had gone to repair the water supply system serving their locality.
It further stated that the Tangkhul passengers who were detained at Shangkai village on Wednesday were released in the hope of securing the safe release of the Kuki civilians on humanitarian grounds at the behest of the incumbent state government which had urged their release while attempting to mediate for the safe return of the civilians.
“However, in a shocking betrayal of this humanitarian gesture, once the Tangkhul passengers were released, the two innocent Kuki men were reportedly killed mercilessly by the militants,” it alleged.
Also Read | Manipur: Tension Erupts in Ukhrul District, Tangkhul Naga Civilians Held Captive by Kuki Groups
KOHUR also demanded the immediate identification and arrest of all perpetrators involved.
“Failure to take swift and decisive action will compel the organisation to explore every possible democratic and legal avenue to intensify its demand for justice and accountability. The sanctity of civilian life must be protected at all costs, and such barbaric acts must never be allowed to occur with impunity,” it added.
Meanwhile, the Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU), Sadar Hills Kangpokpi, has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the state government to arrest the culprits involved in the killing of two Kuki civilians.
Condemning the incident, COTU warned that if the culprits are not apprehended within 48 hours, the village volunteers would be compelled to take pre-emptive measures to defend their land and people. “At no point of time the Committee on Tribal Unity Or any civil society organization should be held responsible for any action taken,” it stated.
Also Read | CM Promises NIA Probe Over Thawai Kuki Death Case; Imphal-Ukhrul Road Blocked
Also Condemning the incident, the Kuki Women Union Sadar Hills that the barbaric act against innocent civilians has deeply saddened and angered the Kuki-Zo community.
It expressed its deepest condolences to the bereaved families and demanded immediate justice for the victims.
“We urge the concerned authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and take strict action against those responsible for this heinous crime. We also call upon the authorities to ensure the safety and security of innocent civilians and to prevent such tragic incidents from occurring in the future,” it demanded.
Also Read | Thawai Kuki Death Case: IPFM Appeals for Withdrawal of Ex Gratia, Endorsement to NIA Probe
The Kuki CSO Working Committee, Ukhrul also condemned the brutal and inhumane killings and demanded that the case be registered and investigated by Saikul/Kangpokpi Police and handed over the investigation to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). It also stated that the bodies of the deceased will not be claimed until those responsible for the killings are identified, arrested, and awarded the death penalty.
Moreover, it demanded the relocation of all Kuki villages in Ukhrul district to Kangpokpi citing security concerns.
“The Kuki community, which previously felt secure coexisting with the Tangkhul fellow Christian community, now feels endangered. Therefore, it demands the relocation of all Kuki villages in Ukhrul to Kangpokpi for the safety and protection of its people.” it stated.
The community has announced a total shutdown along the Imphal-Ukhrul road. It stated that the agitation will continue until justice is delivered.
The working committee further warned that if the Kuki community is “once again” left without protection or justice, the people would be compelled to defend their lives and communities with all their might.