CoTU decries torching of Kuki-Zo residence in Manipur's capital, sharpens demand for re-imposition of AFSPA in the valley

The Kuki-Zo top tribal body in Kangpokpi District, the Committee on Tribal Unity, or the CoTU, Sadar Hills decried emphatically the arsoning of Kuki-Zo residence in the heart of Manipur's capital Imphal on January 4 evening as it heightened the demand of re-imposition of Armed Forces Special Power Act in the valley districts.

Expressing deep resentment against the latest terror perpetrated by the Meitei mob in the heart of Imphal city, a stone's throw away from the CM's residence, the Committee on Tribal Unity pointed out that around five houses belonging to the Kuki-Zo located at New Lambulane, one of Kuki-Zo's oldest settlements in Imphal, Manipur was burned to the ground last night at around 9:30 p.m. in what appears to be a cynical attempt by the rebellious Meitei mob.

The incinerated houses belong to Khaikholam Haokip, Haomang Vaiphei, Zakimi Sitlhou, and Thanglenmang Kipgen.

Lamminlun Singsit, General Secretary of CoTU said that the committee is puzzled as to why the central paramilitary forces deployed there let loose the antagonistic mob to freely commit such horrendous acts under their control.

He said that although the Central Paramilitary personnel have sealed off every inch of the New Lambulane-Checkon aftermath of the ethnic pogrom against the minority Kuki-Zo groups, the Meetei terrorists and mobs have managed to overwhelm them somehow while adding that the vulnerability of the world's second-largest military has been exposed once again, raising concerns about whether they have aided the mob to carry out the arson.

"Such brazen disregard for the central authorities by the warmongering Meitei community is a threat to internal security and a direct confrontation with the Union government", he added.

Taking a serious note of the Armed Forces Special Power Act, the committee questioned the rationale behind its abrogation in the valley districts of Manipur considering the warlike situation in these districts.

"The revocation of AFSPA in the valley districts has catalyzed radical Meitei terror groups with sophisticated arms to move freely, causing a law and order issue while cases of looting, kidnapping, killing, and extortion are rampant", asserted CoTU's Secretary.

Hence, we appealed to the Union Home Ministry to reimpose AFSPA in the valley districts as well for long-lasting peace, he added.

He also said that the committee is exhausted for words to describe the lawlessness in Imphal and the perpetual destruction and arson carried out every now and then by the majority Meitei on properties and houses belonging to the Kuki-Zo community.

He said that the lackadaisical approach of the state as well as the Central government to safeguard lives and properties belonging to the minority community is extremely deplorable at this vital crossroads.

The Kuki-Zo top tribal body then sought the intervention of the Union Home Ministry to deploy enthusiastic and dedicated army personnel to take strict preventive measures to safeguard and protect the remaining pockets of Kuki-Zo settlements from destruction, illegal occupation, and theft.

It also cautioned that the state machinery and the Centre will be held responsible should pyromania and wanton destruction of lives and properties in Imphal take their toll in the future.