Assault case of Liangmai Naga woman continues to simmer
LNIF, FNJAC give it back word for word to CoTU
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 10 2025: Reacting to the media statement issued by the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) on January 9, 2025 which asked Liangmais to lay off the current issue of assaulting a Liangmai woman by Kukis at K Lungwiram village, Konsakhul and called upon all communities claiming neutrality to reassess their stance and uphold their responsibilities during this critical juncture, the Liangmai Naga Indigenous Forum (LNIF) and the Foothill Naga Joint Action Committee (FNJAC) have come out with strong para-wise responses.

The LNIF said that the Liangmai Naga community has been facing repeated provocations and aggressions from Kuki volunteers.

Assault case of Liangmai Naga woman continues to simmer

The Liangmai Naga community will not remain silent in the face of bullying and provocation on "our own ancestral land", the LNIF said in a rejoinder.

Regarding the land dispute between Konsakhul village and Leilon, the LNIF asserted that it is a matter strictly concerning the respective chiefs and stakeholders of the two villages.

CoTU's unwarranted interference in this matter raises questions about its intent.

It urged CoTU to refrain from meddling in disputes where it has no legitimate role or jurisdiction.

While the Kukis have been portraying themselves as victims of the ethnic conflict, their actions toward peace-loving Liangmai villages suggest otherwise.

"The defence of our rights and land is inherent in the Liangmai Naga identity, just as it is for the Kuki.

CoTU must recognize that attacking innocent communities will only escalate tensions and undermine efforts for peace", the LNIF asserted.

CoTU's invocation of Christian values while engaging in acts of violence and harassment is deeply hypocritical.

"Attacking women and violating their dignity is contrary to the very values you profess", LNIF told CoTU.

The Liangmai Naga community has always upheld the principles of justice and peace, and Liangmai Nagas will not tolerate being subjected to such duplicity, it said.

Unlike the Kuki community which has resorted to arson and violence, the Liangmai Naga people have adhered to democratic means of protest.

However, this should not be mistaken for weakness.

Any attacks on Liangmai villages, homes, or individuals will be met with unwavering resolve with the same or strongest force, it warned.

Extending full solidarity to Konsakhul village and other Liangmai foothill communities in their democratic shutdowns, the LNIF asked the Kuki and organizations like CoTU to cease their provocative actions against the Naga community.

Should CoTU and its affiliates fail to respect the status quo and continue their aggression, any resulting consequences will rest entirely on their shoulders, the LNIF asserted.

The Liangmai Naga community is committed to peace but will not compromise on its rights, dignity and security, it added.

Meanwhile, the FNJAC, referring to the statement issued by CoTU on January 9, decried that CoTU's attempt to address the Naga community while undermining the neutral position of Nagas was both insulting and unacceptable.

It is high time CoTU stops its divisive rhetoric and victim-playing tactics, the FNJAC said in a press release.

"History is witness to the countless provocations and encroachments stemming from your illegal immigrant/refugee mindset, aimed at claiming land that does not belong to you.

If anyone is guilty of sowing discord, it is CoTU, with its repeated attempts to manipulate tribal sentiments and misrepresent facts", the FNJAC asserted.

The neutrality of the Naga community does not grant CoTU the right to mock or challenge Nagas' position.

"Your survival depends on the goodwill of those you accused and provoked.

It is through our generosity and magnanimity that you are allowed passage through SP Road, which connects Kangpokpi and Churachandpur, ensuring your survival as well as your folks", FNJAC told CoTU.

On the Konsakhul-Leilon boundary dispute, the FNJAC asked as to why CoTU representatives came to their (FNJAC) gate late at night on January 8, 2025, seeking to apologize if this is truly a village-level issue as claimed by CoTU.

It went on to ask if CoTU can explain the involvement of 'your so-called tiger party/refugee militants" outraging modesty of a Naga woman on January 7, 2025 at K Lungwiram.

"Your actions contradict your words, and now your modus operandi has already been exposed", the FNJAC said.

Repeated provocations and misuse of Christian ideals by Kukis for personal and political gain will not be tolerated, it said.

"If you truly value Christian principles, reflect on your actions and ask yourself how often you lie, distort, fabricate and manipulate our age-old history", FNJAC asked CoTU.

Flatly rejecting the claim that no respect was shown to a deceased, the FNJAC said that the deceased was allowed to pass through with full dignity, reflecting Christian spirit and respect for humanity.

Following the Naga-Kuki conflicts, there were instances where Kuki groups targeted Zo communities, resulting in significant strife and loss of life, the FNJAC said that Kuki groups have attempted to assert dominance over regions like Churachandpur, traditionally known as Lamka by the Zo community.

"We urge our Zo brethren to remain vigilant against the divisive tactics employed by certain Kuki factions.

Historical evidence indicates that these groups have repeatedly instigated conflicts for their own benefit, often at the expense of the Zo people", it said.