Ukhrul, Feb 25: The Kuki Students’ Organisation – Sadar Hills (KSO-SH) has strongly condemned the “disruptive and unwarranted actions of the Senapati District Students’ Association (SDSA) leaders, who obstructed and frisked Pu Aaron Kipgen, spokesperson of the United People’s Front (UPF), during his routine travel for a scheduled meeting with the Director General of Assam Rifles”.
In a press note, the Kuki Students’ Organisation-Sadar Hills issued a pointwise rebuttal to the Senapati District Students’ Association (SDSA)’s actions.
1. Routine Meeting, Not an Escort
The Suspension of Operations (SoO) groups are in ongoing talks with the Government of India. As clarified by the Assam Rifles and the UPF spokesperson himself, this was a standard meeting, called as part of the government’s engagement with SoO groups. There was no “escort” of militants, as falsely claimed by certain groups.
Related | SDSA Questions Assam Rifles Over Escort of Kuki Militants in Naga Areas
2. Manufacturing Controversy
SDSA leaders are attempting to create unnecessary controversy over a routine engagement. Why is a student body interfering in political matters instead of focusing on student welfare? Their actions amount to nothing more than incitement and misrepresentation of facts. The SDSA leaders’ actions, as described, seem to be an attempt to provoke vested interests and intensify hatred against the Kuki zo people and the Assam Rifles. This behavior is not only uncalled for but also potentially harmful, as it may escalate tensions and create further divisions.
3. Double Standards on Escort
If SDSA is truly concerned about Indian security forces engaging with armed groups, why was there no outrage when NSCN-IM leaders, including Muivah and Shimray, were escorted with full security, even while carrying arms? Shimray’s visit to Manipur is a classic example where the NSCN-IM cadres were seen moving with full arms freely during his movements in Manipur. Selective outrage and propaganda only serve to fuel tensions.
Must read | UNLF Cadre Arrested in Moirang Kampu Murder Case
4. SDSA Must Focus on Education, Not Politics
As a student organisation, SDSA should focus on educational issues, not political meddling. Its continued attempts to incite one community against another under the guise of student activism are unacceptable. Instead of playing divisive politics, SDSA should act as a peace-making body and work towards the students’ betterment and education in Manipur.
Also read | IIT Delhi’s Quiz Master Utsab Das from Tripura Wins Rs 25 Lakhs on Kaun Banega Crorepati
Additionally, the KSO-SH urged all right-thinking citizens to see through that propaganda and call upon SDSA to act responsibly. Also, it stated that peace and constructive dialogue should be the priority, not unnecessary provocation, inciting, and gaslighting one community against another.
Also read | 20-Day Watershed Yatra Campaign Makes Last Stop at Asukiqa, Zunheboto