Assault of SDSA leaders infuriates Naga bodies
Source: Chronicle News Service

Senapati, December 23 2024: Senapati Action Committee (SAC) has served ultimatum to the Kuki community, instructing them to avoid traveling to or residing within Naga-inhabited areas of Senapati district with immediate effect.

This action follows an incident on December 22 evening at Gamgiphai check post, where functionaries of Senapati District Students' Association (SDSA), including its president, vice-president, and general secretary, were assaulted by Kuki volunteers.

The SAC, formed in response to the attack, condemned the repeated physical and mental harassment inflicted on its citizens.

It demanded the immediate production of the culprits before SAC, warning that failure to uphold its insistence would absolve the committee of accountability for any untoward incidents that may follow.

The SAC stated that until the issue is amicably resolved, the Kuki community should refrain from traveling or residing in the district's Naga-inhabited areas.

In its statement, SAC asserted that the incident violated the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Naga People's Organisation (NPO) and the Committee of Tribal Union (CoTU) on November 21, 2024, aimed at fostering mutual respect and coexistence.

Holding CoTU accountable for the incident, SAC stated that it would pursue justice and warned of potential consequences should the situation escalate further.

In a another statement, Senapati District Students' Association (SDSA) strongly rebuked the physical assault and harassment of its leaders by Kuki volunteers on December 22, describing the act as unacceptable and detrimental to unity and cooperation among communities.

According to SDSA, the attack occurred around 9 pm at the Gamgiphai check post, despite repeated assertions that they were representatives of SDSA, traveling in a vehicle bearing an official nameplate.

SDSA questioned the motive behind the assault, particular ly in light of the repeated MoUs signed between the NPO and CoTU, which were intended to foster mutual respect and coexistence.

The association condemned the aggressive actions, including the vandalisation of their official vehicle, as undermining the principles of dialogue and peaceful resolution.

SDSA warned that it would not remain a mute spectator to such atrocities.

It held the Kuki community responsible for the incident and stated that any escalation or untoward incidents arising from the matter would solely be the responsibility of the perpetrators.

Senapati District Women Association (SDWA) also condemned the assault on the SDSA officials, describing it as an indefensible act of violence that violated the principles of respect, dignity, and peace.

In its statement, SDWA emphasised that such acts were not only an affront to the targeted individuals but also to broader societal values of justice and civility.

SDWA expressed solidarity with the SDSA during this challenging time, while demanding that the perpetrators' be booked immediately to ensure accountability.

The association urged law enforcement agencies to Conduct a thorough investigation and take swift action to maintain order and harmony.

Furthermore, SDWA called on community leaders to work towards fostering mutual respect and preventing further violence.

It affirmed its commitment to supporting the SDSA and advocating for justice, peace, and equality within the district.

The Naga People's Organisation (NPO) issued a strong condemnation of the December 22 incident, describing it as intolerable and unjustifiable.

In its statement, the NPO highlighted the brutal assault on the SDSA officials and the damage caused to their vehicle, actions that it said demonstrated blatant disregard for law, order, and mutual respect.

NPO expressed concern that the incident occurred despite repeated MoUs between NPO and CoTU to ensure peaceful coexistence and cooperation between communities.

It questioned the commitment of certain Kuki groups to honouring these agreements and described the attack as an affront to the SDSA and the principles of mutual understanding upheld by the district's communities.

The organisation called on all stakeholders to reaffirm their commitment to coexistence and warned that further actions undermining peace and dignity would not be tolerated.

NPO stated that it would hold Kuki stakeholders responsible for any further incidents resulting from their failure to take accountability for the assault.

NPO reaffirmed its dedication to fostering harmony and unity within the district while advocating for justice and mutual respect.

It reminded all parties of the need to uphold the values that bind communities together and prevent such incidents in the future.

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