CoTU: 'Tangkhul militants' assaulted Kuki-Zo volunteers
Source: Chronicle News Service
Kangpokpi, January 17 2025:
Six unarmed Kuki-Zo volunteers were allegedly ambushed by suspected 'Tangkhul militants' in Tangkhul Hundung area on Friday morning.
The volunteers, who were on a duty-roster exchange tasked with safeguarding Phailengmol areas in Kangpokpi district, have been protecting the area from aggression by the Meetei community over the past two years.
According to the Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU), the militants physically assaulted the volunteers, confiscated their vehicles, and seized personal belongings before releasing them following mediation by Tangkhul Hundung CSO leaders.
This act of hostility has drawn sharp condemnation from COTU, which accused the 'Tangkhul militants' of undermining the neutrality claimed by the Naga community in the ongoing conflict.
"The Nagas of Manipur, known for their good Samaritan nature, must uphold their neutral stance and hold accountable those within their fraternity, such as the Tangkhuls in Hundung and Singk;ap areas, who are determined to destabilise peace," the statement urged.
COTU has issued an ultimatum demanding that the culpirits be brought to the concerned within 24 hours.
It warned that failure to act will hold the Tangkhul Hundung and Singkap areas solely responsible for any escalation of tension.