UKHRUL: The Sadar Hill Chiefs’ Association (SAHILCA), Kangpokpi district, has strongly condemned the alleged harassment, intimidation, and arson carried out at Kangchup Songlung (I) village, reportedly by the proscribed Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) under the leadership of S. Kamson.
In a press statement issued on Monday, SAHILCA said it was “shocked” by ZUF’s claim of responsibility for the incident, which involved the alleged terrorising of villagers and the burning of residential houses. The association termed the act a grave violation of customary authority, civil order, and the safety of indigenous villagers.
Clarifying the status of the affected village, SAHILCA stated that Kangchup Songlung (I), located under K. Geljang Sub-Division and falling within New Keithelmanbi Police Station in Kangpokpi district, is a recognised Kuki village under the chieftainship of Semlal Haokip. The association categorically denied allegations of poppy cultivation in the village, asserting that such claims were baseless.
SAHILCA further alleged that the ZUF attempted to justify its actions by projecting them as measures against poppy cultivation. The association described this justification as “pretentious,” stating that blindfolding village elders and burning down homes could not be legitimised under any pretext.
Reaffirming its role as the custodian of Kuki tradition and customary governance, SAHILCA announced that it has granted a 24-hour window for the ZUF leadership to acknowledge its actions before the association and provide compensation for the loss of property as well as the psychological trauma inflicted on the villagers of Kangchup Songlung (I).
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The association warned that failure to comply within the stipulated timeframe would compel civil society organisations (CSOs) of Kangpokpi district to take all necessary steps to ensure that justice is delivered.
The statement was issued by the Department of Information and Publicity, Sadar Hill Chiefs’ Association (SAHILCA), Kangpokpi district.