UNC, NPUI, FoH condemn attack on Naga duo
Source: Chronicle News Service / NNN

Imphal/Senapati, November 01 2024: United Naga Council (UNC) has vehemently condemned the 'unwarranted act' of looting, and physical and mental assaults by the "so called" Arambai Tenggol (AT) on innocent Naga fellows, namely V Hrangao Blesson of Kodom Khullen and Dalou of Liyai Khullen belonging to Poumai Naga tribe on October 31, 2024 in Lamsang area, Imphal West district, while on their way back to Senapati.

UNC, in no uncertain terms, condemned "such a barbaric act" and questioned the motive behind their actions.

In a statement released on Friday, the apex Naga body said: "17 months have well passed ever since the mayhem broke out on May 3, 2023 and all the ethnic communities living in the state of Manipur including Nagas as the third parties have been suffering untold miseries in every sphere" .

With all concern and patience, hoping for resolution to the on-going conflict between the warring Kuki-Zo and Meetei communities, the Naga people have endured all the hardships and provocations from both the communities yet, it turns out otherwise and weight is being put upon the Naga people continuously in many ways, UNC added.

The Naga body then said it seriously views "this provocative action" and demanded the state authorities to immediately identify and arrest perpetrators of the crime and promptly dispense justice to the victims as per the law of the land.

It also urged civil society organisations to look into the matter earnestly and initiate proactive steps to contain all these sporadic incidents.

Further, UNC drew the attention to various authorities and called upon responsible civil organisations in the state for immediate intervention to put at rest these wanton and unwarranted checking/frisking/detentions and various strictures imposing upon Naga people in sporadic areas and unabated illegal taxation/extortion towards the commuters and suppliers of essential commodities along the national highways and inter-district highways once and for all in the greater interest of all the communities living in the state of Manipur.

Naga People's Union Imphal (NPUI) and Federation of Hao-mee (FoH) also condemned the violent attack on two Naga individuals from Senapati district.

The duo - V Hrangao Bless-on and Dalou, were allegedly held at gunpoint, robbed, and nearly killed by armed miscreants in Lamsang area on October 31 .

Condemning the incident, the NPUI, in a press statement, expressed deep anguish over the brutality inflicted on the two men, both of whom are daily-wage earners struggling for survival.

The Union termed the assault as a violation of human rights and a blatant disregard for human dignity and safety.

"This act of violence is unacceptable in any sense and in any society," NPUI stated, emphasising that such incidents erode the mutual trust that binds Manipur society and violate fundamental freedoms and the rule of law.

The Union then urged state authorities to take immediate action, asserting that violence against Naga individuals should not be viewed as a sign of weakness but as a challenge to their rights and peace of mind.

Echoing similar sentiments, Federation of Hao-mee denounced the attack, sharing the victims' distress and highlighting how such incidents affect efforts to promote unity among indigenous communities.

The federation, whose aim is to foster fraternity under the theme 'Know Your Identity', warned that such acts obstruct the federation's goal of solidarity and mutual respect.

The FoH urged law enforcement agencies to investigate, arrest the perpetrators, and prevent similar incidents in the future.

"Every right-thinking person should condemn such acts," the Federation stated, and called on all stakeholders to reconsider actions that harm the indigenous communities.

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