Gunmen attack BJP leader's residence in Churachandpur
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 27 2024: Unknown armed assailants vandalised the residence of BJP spokesperson Michael Lamjathang Haokip in Churachandpur district.

The assailants destroyed household properties of Lamjathang after barging into the house on Sunday 10.30 pm.

Inside the house, they fired three rounds, set fire to mattresses in the bed room and demolished some household properties.

A team of Churachandpur district police rushed to the place of incident and started investigation to ascertain identify of the perpetrators.

At the time the incident occurred Michael Lamjathang was not at home with family sources hinting that he has been out of station for some time.

Lamjathang Haokip, who is also a prominent leader of the Thadou tribes, was targeted just hours after participating in a Manipur-based news panel discussion on "Kuki Supremacy and its Agenda," according to a statement from the Thadou Community International (TCI) .

The TCI condemned the attack as "cowardly and barbaric," reporting that approximately 30 attackers fired multiple gunshots and set fire to various properties within Lamjathang Haokip's residence.

The assault, which occurred around 11 pm Sunday in Phailien village under the jurisdiction of Churachandpur police station, was described as an attack on the entire Thadou community and a broader assault on civilization.

A violent attack on the family home of Michael Lamjathang Haokip, a prominent Thadou student leader, Kas drawn strong condemnation from the Thadou Community International (TCI).

The incident occurred on August 25 in Peniel village, Churachandpur, Manipur, According to the TCI statement, around 30 armed individuals, alleged to be supporters of a "Kuki supremacy agenda," fired multiple rounds at Lamjathang Haokip's residence and attempted to set fire to properties attached to the home, shortly after Lamjathang participated in a televised panel discussion on "Kuki Supremacy and its Agenda" .

The statement noted that this was the second such attack on Lamjathang Haokip's home, with the previous incident occurring on May 6, 2023 .

The first attack, involving arson and gunfire by suspected armed Kuki militants, took place shortly after the outbreak of violence in Churachandpur on May 3, 2023 .

He also survived an assassination attempt in Churachandpur on April 28, 2023 .

TCI described the attack on Lamjathang Haokip and his family as barbaric and cowardly, called it is an assault on the entire Thadou community and intended to instil fear psychosis among the Thadou people.

TCI highlighted that this incident reflects the mentality of the perpetrators, who, devoid of any logical debate, resorted to violence.

Lamjathang Haokip's participation in the panel discussion, where he discussed the historical and ongoing persecution of Thadous by extremist Kuki supremacists, was seen as the catalyst for the attack.

TCI pointed out that human rights abuses perpetrated by Kuki supremacists against the Thadou community are widespread and rampant, yet often go unnoticed.

These abuses include being denied the right to obtain ST certificate in the name of Thadou tribe, prevented from participating in Thadou activities, and forced to identify as Kuki instead of Thadou.

Thadou leaders and community members are selectively targeted, creating an environment akin to living under a totalitarian regime.

TCI questioned how such actions could occur in a democratic country where the Constitution guarantees fundamental rights to all citizens, including the right to live freely without fear.

The attack on Lamjathang's house is viewed by TCI as another example of Thadous coerced into rejecting their identity and punished for not conforming to the Kuki supremacist agenda.

TCI emphasised that for too long, the Thadou community has endured these onslaughts and called for Thadous to unite in standing up for their rights.

The organisation advocated seeking justice through non-violent means and urged all right-thinking individuals to support their cause.

TCI also attributed the attack to the actions of Thadou Tribe Council (TTC), an organisation floated by Churachandpur-based Kuki supremacist groups, which has been actively engaging in a disinformation campaign and promoting violent rhetoric against the Thadou community.

TCI claimed that the TTC has even boasted about knowing the perpetrators of the violent attack on Lamjathang's house last year.

Reaffirming their commitment to non-violence, the rule of law, and civil discourse, TCI challenged those who believe in and use violence and coercive control to instead engage in civil discourse and debates on matters of disagreement.

The organisation called on all Thadous to remain steadfast to their values, stay calm yet courageous amidst the fear and tension created by those who view them as enemies, and incite violence to gain control over the Thadou people.

In light of the ongoing violent intimidation, suppression, and threats faced by the Thadou community, TCI sought the support of kindred tribes and particularly appealed to Mizo leaders and organisations to help bring peace and understanding and to safeguard the safety of the Mizo community.

TCI demanded that government authorities take stern and immediate actions against the culprits of the attacks on Michael Lamjathang according to the law, paying special attention to the role of the fake TTC and its operatives, as well as other individuals and groups who may be involved in these violent incidents, the statement added.

According to Michael Lamjathang Haokip, his parents and residence Phatthei Inn, in Peniel village, were targeted for the second time by armed miscreants amidst the Manipur violence on Sunday night.

The attack at the house of the BJP spokesperson belonging to the Thadou tribe comes days after three MLAs from among the 10, who have been demanding a separate administration carved out of Manipur, clarified that they want their own tribes to be called by their correct names, instead of being associated only with the term "Kuki-Zo" .

Taking to the microblogging site X, the BJP spokesperson said, "We are lifting our prayers and many are standing with us in prayer for the Thadou community" .

Furthermore, he exalted his faith in God, stating, "We believe God is with us and will see us through this challenging time.

We praise the Lord for His presence and protection.

Thank you, Lord, for Your faithfulness" .

Meanwhile, a video went viral on social media showing a man with a gun and bullet, threatening to shoot Michael Lamjathang.

(With inputs from agencies) .

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