ITLF condemns attack on secretary's home, calls for action
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, October 08 2024:
The Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF) has strongly condemned the attack on the house of its secretary Muan Tombing at Dorcas Veng, Churachandpur district on Monday around 10:30 pm.
While informing that the attack came close on the heels of multiple threats received by ITLF leaders following the October 5 Zo United meeting, an ITLF statement expressed deep concern over the incident, describing it as an attempt to sabotage the progress made toward peace and justice for the Kuki Zo communities.
"These kinds of acts not only target individuals but strike at the heart of communities striving for justice and peace," the statement said.
The forum contended that such violence undermines democratic values and violates the peaceful reconciliation agreement recently signed under Zo United.
ITLF also highlighted a pattern of threats and attacks against its leaders in the past inspite of the fact that it has been advocating for the rights of the Kuki-Zo communities.
The Forum also called on authorities to take swift and decisive action to investigate the attack, ensure safety of the ITLF secretary and other vulnerable individuals, and bring the perpetrators to justice.
In addition to condemning the violence, ITLF urged community and church leaders, civil society, and government institutions to work together to de-escalate tensions and promote peace.
"Everyone, regardless of their political, social, or ethnic affiliations, deserve to feel safe in their homes and communities," the statement stressed.
ITLF called on citizens to reject violence in all its forms and reaffirmed its solidarity with the secretary and other leaders.
The attack serves as a stark reminder of the growing dangers faced by leaders, the statement added.
Mention may be made that some unknown miscreants attacked the residence of the ITLF secretary on Monday night by pelting stones and shattering the window panes besides firing some rounds before fleeing the scene.