Reacting strongly to the fresh firing incident today in the Kangchup region of Sadar Hills, Kangpokpi District, the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) of Sadar Hills condemned both the incident and the peace initiative of Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, highlighting the atrocities committed against the Kuki-Zo community whenever Biren Singh makes a peace initiative.
Ng. Lun Kipgen, spokesperson of CoTU, stated that the attempt to ambush innocent Kuki-Zo passengers traveling along the only connecting road between Kangpokpi and Churachandpur resulted in a fresh gunfight today.
He elaborated that Kuki-Zo volunteers defending their land in the Kangchup region became aware of a sinister plan by armed Meitei militia groups to ambush innocent Kuki-Zo passengers. They launched an area operation today and were attacked by the Meitei armed militia at around 2:00 p.m., resulting in a fierce gunfight between the Kuki-Zo volunteers and the Meitei armed militia groups.
He noted that since the violence on May 3 last year, the Kangpokpi-Churachandpur road via the Kangchup region has served as the only connection for the Kuki-Zo community. There have been continuous attempts by the Meitei armed militia to disrupt this critical route.
Kipgen continued that despite Chief Minister N. Biren Singh's promise to restore peace within six months, tensions continue to escalate in Manipur, and today's incident occurred barely days after his bold claim of restoring peace within that timeframe.
He also alleged that the Chief Minister’s militia, the Arambai Tenggol, was seen carrying a bomb cannon intended for use against the Kuki-Zo community, which corroborates the leaked audio tapes where Manipur Chief Minister openly endorsed the use of bombs against the minority Kuki-Zo community.
He further stated that Kuki-Zo women gathered today at Gamgiphai in Kangpokpi District, fearing that their community could be targeted at any time.
“We are prepared to defend ourselves and will take preemptive measures,” Kipgen said.
Deeply concerned about the ongoing violence, the CoTU spokesperson also expressed the Kuki-Zo community's strong opposition to the peace initiative led by Chief Minister Singh.
“The so-called peace initiative by N. Biren Singh, marked by atrocities against the Kuki-Zo community, will not be accepted," he asserted.
Ng. Lun Kipgen also called on the central government to intervene, urging that the current approach to peace does not reflect the reality on the ground.
The Hills Journal
K. Salbung, Churachandpur
Manipur-795128
