UKHRUL: Tangkhul Aze Katamnao Long (TAKL) president Yarchuiso Kashung on Tuesday called for immediate and decisive action from the Centre and the Manipur government to protect Naga civilians, saying genuine peace in the state requires sincerity and political will from both governments.
Attending a press meet at the Manipur Press Club, Kashung expressed deep concern over the continuing violence and recent killings of Naga civilians in Tamenglong, Senapati and Kamjong.
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He cited the killing of a 17-year-old Liangmei Naga boy in Tamenglong, the deaths of three Mao Naga civilians in Senapati and the killing of four Tangkhul Naga civilians at Pilong in Kamjong, and demanded that those responsible be held accountable.
Kashung alleged that armed Kuki groups were behind the killings and accused the Centre and the State government of failing to adequately protect civilians in vulnerable areas.
On border security, he expressed concern over alleged cross-border attacks by KNA-B and armed groups from Myanmar. He demanded immediate strengthening of security along the Indo-Myanmar border, particularly at Namlee, Wangle, Kaka and Pilong, with adequate deployment of Manipur State forces.
Kashung said TAKL had repeatedly requested the deployment of state forces in vulnerable border areas but alleged that the government had failed to provide a meaningful response.
He also called for swift, intelligence-based and lawful combing operations in vulnerable areas to identify unauthorised camps, recover illegal weapons and apprehend those involved in violence, irrespective of their community or affiliation.
Kashung said political interests, government formation and ambitions surrounding future elections or political leadership should not take precedence over restoring peace and protecting human lives.
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He said that if the Manipur government and the Government of India were unwilling or unable to protect indigenous citizens, particularly those living in vulnerable border areas, people would have no option but to seek help from neighbouring countries such as China and even raise the Chinese flag, saying, “We are extremely tired at this juncture.” He further said the chief minister should accept moral responsibility and consider resigning.
Kashung also criticised chief minister Yumnam Khemchand over his repeated use of Korean-language expressions at the conclusion of public speeches, saying such gestures could be perceived as insensitive amid the ongoing violence and insecurity in the state.
