JAL fears attacks by Kuki-Zomi-Hmar group
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 19 2024: Jiri Apunba Lup (JAL) has claimed that Indigenous Tribes Advocacy Committee (ITAC) of Pherzawl and Jiribam districts has revealed in a press condemnation note issued on July 17 that the Kuki-Zomi-Hmar group is planning further attacks on innocent Meetei people of Jiribam.

These attacks are to be carried out in collusion with well-organised armed groups from outside Manipur, specifically from Cachar district of Assam.

Assam Police's timely and appropriate actions have so far prevented these attacks, for which the Meetei community is thankful, JAL said.

In a statement, JAL informed that despite the recent respite, there remain suspicions that more organised armed militants are planning inhumane acts against the Meetei in Jiribam and possibly in Cachar district, potentially justifying their actions under the guise of self-defence or other reasons.

ITAC has publicly stated, "Kuki-Zomi-Hmar village volunteers stand to fight for their survival in their own land," a claim that the Meetei community deems false and unacceptable.

The statement is viewed as part of an aspiration to establish a Kuki Homeland or Separate Administration within Manipur, which poses a serious threat to the territorial integrity of the state, JAL said.

For over a year since the violence erupted on May 3, 2023, Meetei people in Jiribam have co-existed peacefully with the Kuki-Zomi-Hmar community, despite enduring inhumane activities including life-threatening physical assaults, destruction of houses, and other incidents documented in records and video footage.

The Meetei community in Jiribam has refrained from attacking any community, maintaining a stance of peaceful coexistence.

However, this peace was shattered on June 6, when an innocent Meetei man, S Sarat of Gularthol, was killed by armed militants.

Another recent incident involved killing of a CRPF soldier by Kuki-Zomi-Hmar armed militants at Mongbung village in Jiribam, further showing the illegal activities of these groups.

In light of these events, Jiri Apunba Lup (JAL) appealed to the relevant authorities of Assam to take stringent measures to apprehend illegal armed groups which are in collusion with militants from Manipur in Cachar district.

Such actions are deemed necessary to eradicate terrorist activities and ensure the safety and security of all communities, JAL said.

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