CoTU condemns attacks on Kuki-Zo villages
Source: Chronicle News Service
Kangpokpi, August 22 2023:
Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), Sadar Hills Kangpokpi district condemned the continuous attacks on Kuki-Zo villages in the peripheral areas by Meitei armed groups in the strongest term and demanded deployment of sufficient numbers of central security forces.
CoTU media cell coordinator Ng Lun Kipgen said Meitei groups launched unprovoked attack at Twichin, P Phaimol and Gwaltabi Kuki villages in Lhungtin sub-division of Kangpokpi district on August 21 after killing in Thawai village on August 18 .
He recalled that three innocent Kuki-Zo volunteers of Thawai village were brutally killed on August 18 .
He said that the latest attack on Twichin, P Phaimol and Gwaltabi were located just 6 Km away from Thawai Kuki village.
He continued that the heavily armed Meitei groups first attacked Twichin and P Phaimol villagers who were harvesting vegetables around 3 pm on August 21 and the nearby Gwaltabi Kuki area including the Hand of God Residential School at 3:35 pm which continued till 4 pm.
Though there was no casualty, such unwarranted attacks create serious fear psychosis in the minds of the innocent Kuki-Zo people, he contended, while pointing out that it was for the seventh time the Meitei groups attacked the Kuki-Zo villages in this area, He added that Twichin and P Phaimol villages were burnt down by Meitei rioters on May 28.He further said that the Meiteis were able to intrude deep into the hills to carry out such a wanton attack at will despite the presence of central forces including the Jat Regiment in the area.
Considering the volatile circumstances, CoTU demanded deployment of more central forces preferably the Indian armies and the Assam Rifles who are more acquainted with the region to curb such repeated attacks and ensure the protection of precious fives and property.