UKHRUL: In a letter addressed to the United Naga Council (UNC), the All Inpui Students’ Union (AISU), Inpui Naga Women’s Union (INWU), and Inpui Naga Youth Organisation (INYO) expressed “astonishment and dismay” towards the joint statement issued by Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) and the United Naga Council (UNC) on January 27.
The letter seeks clarification from UNC and KIM for “purportedly legitimizing K Songlung as a Kuki village, effectively ceding Inpui Naga land to Kuki interest,” as referred to in their joint statement. “We categorically clarify that no village or settlement named K Songlung exists in the area, nor is it recognized in government records,” the Unions stated.
Additionally, referring to the alleged settlement burnt, the Unions clarified that, “the site in question comprises merely two farmhouses constructed in 2019 on Inpui land, specifically in the Tamphoimon area, lacking historical, customary, or administrative recognition as a village.”
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The Unions stressed the need for “imperative clarity, factual accuracy, and mutual consultation” when addressing such issues to preserve peaceful coexistence as the joint statement issued by UNC and KIM had caused “confusion and misinterpretation, particularly on sensitive issues pertaining to land and settlement status.”
The letter further urged UNC, an apex Naga body to, “approach matters related to land and rights with due seriousness in future.” Thus, the Unions seek detailed clarification on recognition of K Songlung as a Kuki village and “the rationale behind legitimizing Kuki claims over Naga rights without consulting the concerned Tribe and legitimate land owner.”