Kuki bodies allege attack on Sejang, Mongbung by SFs
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 14 2024: Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM); Kuki Inpi Jiribam, Tamenglong & Noney (KUTN); Kuki Chief Association (KCA), Tousem Block; Kuki Students Organisation Jiribam & Tamenglong (KSO-J&T); and Kuki Inpi Women Wing alleged security forces along with Meetei armed groups of attacking Sejang and Mongbung villages on Sunday around 9.40 am, and condemned the incident.

In a statement, KIM accused the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) of failure to maintain neutrality during the attack under the command of DIG of CRPF, which resulted in the 'regrettable' death of a CRPF trooper.

According to KIM, sustained and coordinated attacks on the Kuki-Zo people in Jiribam district are part of a broader campaign by the state government.

This ongoing violence has severely disrupted the daily lives, safety, and security of the Kuki-Zo community, forcing hundreds of villagers to flee their homes and seek refuge in relief camps.

The total number of displaced Kuki-Zo people has now exceeded 45,000, exacerbated by the recent Jiribam situation, it maintained and called upon the government of India to ensure the safety, security, and lasting peace for the Kuki-Zo people.

KIM assert that the violence constitutes gross violations of human rights and challenges the constitutional principles of justice, liberty, and equality, apart from appealing to authorities concerned to withdraw all Meetei personnel of central armed forces from Kuki-Zo areas and to prohibit state forces from operating.

It emphasised that the persistent violence underscores failure of the present government to protect the rights and lives of the people while asserting that establishing a distinct administrative region for the Kuki-Zo people is crucial to provide security, representation, autonomy and ensured peace and stability in the region.

In another joint statement, Kuki CSOs condemned the incident claiming it as an attack by state force with Meetei armed groups.

They also claimed that prior to Sunday's incident, police conducted search operation in the villages and ransacked villagers' food supplies in a highly unprofessional manner.

The Kuki Inpi Manipur has sent a letter to the Governor regarding the incident, they said.

The organisations also claimed that CRPF participated in Sunday's attack even though they are supposed to be neutral and unbiased, while extending condolence to the bereaved family of the CRPF jawan.

They urged the Central government to protect the lives and property of Kuki-Zo people while at the same time alleging and questioning biasness of security forces.

They further urged the Central government to take up legal actions against the security personnel involved in Sunday's incident.

The joint statement criticised the central forces and authorities for turning a blind eye to the current situation.

The only solution to the ongoing conflict is separate administration for the Kuki-Zo people, the statement said while urging the Central government to expedite process for the same so as to ensure permanent peace between the two communities.

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