IMPHAL, March 14: The Naga People’s Organisation (NPO), the apex Naga body in Senapati district, Manipur, has urged the Kuki Organisation for Human Rights Trust (KOHUR), the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), a Kangpokpi-based Kuki body and the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) to withdraw their ultimatum at the earliest.
It can be mentioned here that, following the recovery of two dead bodies hailing from the Kuki community in Ukhrul district on Thursday, the three Kuki organisations—KIM, KOHUR and CoTU—served a 48-hour ultimatum to the Manipur government to arrest those responsible for the killing of the two Kuki men.
In this regard, the NPO said it was shocked by the 48-hour ultimatum served by the Kuki Inpi Manipur, KOHUR and CoTU, directly pointing fingers at the NSCN-IM for the loss of two Kuki individuals’ lives. “We would like to question what evidence they possess to blame the Tangkhul community or the NSCN-IM for that unfortunate and unwanted incident,” the NPO asked.
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The Naga People’s Organisation, however, strongly condemned such incidents involving unknown miscreants and expressed deep concern over the loss of lives. It said violence and unverified accusations will only aggravate the already sensitive situation and disturb the fragile peace in the region.
“The Naga People’s Organisation would like the Kuki community to recollect certain past incidents where situations could have easily escalated had the Naga community not exercised restraint in the larger interest of peace and the safety of innocent people,” the NPO said.
One such incident occurred at Ireng Naga village, where some Kuki miscreants reportedly dismantled a waiting shed and inscribed communal slogans on a stone, such as “Kukiland” and “Stay Away Nagas,” the NPO pointed out, adding, “There was also a viral audio recording of a self-styled Commander of KNF (P), Mr Tiger alias Thangboi Kipgen, who directly threatened the village chairman, stating that his cadres would come and attack Ireng Naga village.”
Another serious incident was the burning down of a residential building at Lungwiram by some Kuki miscreants, the Naga body further pointed out. “It was surprising that the responsible Kuki civil society organisations did not come forward during those times. In both cases, the Naga People’s Organisation visited the affected sites and advised our people to localise the issues as far as possible and to avoid any form of escalation,” the NPO reminded.
However, during the K Songlung incident, the United Naga Council (UNC), without hesitation, owned responsibility and intervened promptly to prevent further escalation, the NPO also said.
The NPO then said the present “communal tension” in the Litan area is believed to have originated from the incident that occurred on the night of February 7, “where Mr Starling was seriously injured.” The extent of the victim’s injuries was witnessed by many through video clips circulating on social media, the NPO also said, adding, “It is difficult to understand whether the Kuki community can justify such a degree of torture to any individual merely for accidentally flashing a torchlight in the darkness of the night.”
According to information gathered from various sources, the matter could have been compromised and peacefully resolved had the Kuki side not neglected the issue, the NPO added.
The NPO then said there are certain aspects where statements from the two sides contradict each other, though there are also converging points. It also pointed out that both parties stated that information about the incident was conveyed to the chief of Sareikhong village on the same evening. “As it was already late, it was decided that the matter would be discussed the following day. However, the village (Sareikhong) chief of the accused party remained silent until around 2 PM the next day,” it added.
The NPO then said it is a customary practice among all communities that the accused party approaches the victim’s side first and requests settlement or compromise. The NPO said, “We were also informed that one citizen of Sinakeithei village was abducted and held hostage by armed Kuki militants while attending his field. We would like to know the clear intention of the Kuki community as to why such barbaric and illegal activities are repeatedly carried out by their people.”
The NPO then said, “For the recent incident where one individual sustained a leg injury and two others lost their lives, the abduction of 21 innocent Tangkhul commuters on the highway is completely unjustifiable.”
The NPO also requested the competent authorities to book all the perpetrators involved in the abduction of innocent commuters in a time-bound manner for the safety and security of all.
Therefore, the Naga People’s Organisation urged the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), KOHUR and CoTU to withdraw their ultimatum at the earliest. “Otherwise, any eventuality arising out of it shall be held upon them,” it warned. The Naga People’s Organisation also urged all concerned organisations and communities to exercise restraint and responsibility and to allow the competent authorities to properly investigate the matter and establish the truth. (PTI)
