ITLF, VT, MLAs condemn violence in CCpur
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 05 2024: Numerous incidents of armed attacks unfolded throughout Churachandpur town on Wednesday night, reportedly leaving the Kuki Zo community in shock and fear.

Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF), the organisation spearheading the campaign of Kuki community in the current conflict, and Vaiphei Tangval (VT) have strongly condemned the incidents with nine Kuki MLAs also joining the condemnation chorus after house of their MLA colleague came under fire.

According to a statement of ITLF, around 8:40 pm Wednesday, armed miscreants broke into the house of ITLF secretary Muan Tombing, kicked down the doors, dragged his wife across the floor, and snatched his daughter's phone.

Fortunately, Muan Tombing was not present at the time, sparing him from potential harm, though the terrifying ordeal for his family was severe.

Simultaneously, another group of armed miscreants abducted Thangkhanlian, the president of Young Paite Association (YPA), Kanaan Veng.

After enduring extensive interrogation and severe torture, he was eventually released, adding to the night's grim toll.

Around 1 am, armed miscreants, believed to be part of the same group responsible for the earlier attacks, opened fire at the house of Singhat MLA Chinlunthang in Zenhang with firing of shots also heard near the residence of Henlianthang, the president of Vaiphei People's Council (VPC), on Red Cross Road around the same time, elaborated the ITLF statement.

Further stating that presidential council of ITLF has strongly condemned such heinous acts, it highlighted disruption in town's tranquillity and terror on its residents by the armed miscreants.

The Council emphasised that these attacks reveal the perpetrators' desire to sabotage the community's unity and peace and warned that if such incidents continue, they might be compelled to retaliate.

The council also urged law enforcement agencies like the Assam Rifles and the police to take immediate action and necessary precautions to protect the town's residents.

In a separate statement, Vaiphei Tangval expressed outrage and condemnation over the brazen and cowardly act of firing at the residence of VPC president Henlianthang.

Terming as despicable, the incident that occurred around 1 am on July 3 and left the community shocked and angry, Vaiphei Tangval deplored such senseless act of violence and intimidation, and miscreants' utter disregard for human life and rule of law.

The organisation demanded immediate action from the authorities to apprehend the perpetrators, bring them to justice, and ensure the safety and security of citizens, especially public figures.

The organisation pledged solidarity with VPC president Henlianthang during this difficult time and vowed to fight for justice and accountability.

Meanwhile, nine Kuki MLAs issued a joint statement condemning the reprehensible act of firing automatic weapons in front of the residence of Singhat MLA Chinlunthang by unidentified miscreants.

The MLAs urged the security authorities of the Central government to take necessary steps to prevent recurrence of such incidents and to book the culprits.

The statement was appended by MLAs (Saitu) Haokholet Kipgen, (Kangpokpi) Nemcha Kipgen, (Saikot) Paolienlal Haokip, (Henglep) Letzamang Haokip, (Tengnoupal) Letpao Haokip, (Tipaimukh) Ngursanglur Sanate, (Churachandpur) LM Khaute and (Saikul) Kimneo Haokip.

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