Kuki Bodies Denounce Baseless Accusations in Central Forces Assault, says to lay hands on CF is against our own well being

The Kuki top bodies including the Kuki Inpi Manipur, Committee on Tribal Unity, or the CoTU, and the Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum, or the ITLF, vehemently denounced the reckless finger-pointing from certain media outlets, including reputable ones, towards the Kuki community for the recent attack on Central security forces.

The Kuki Inpi Manipur in a strongly worded press statement accused Valley Based Insurgent Groups (VBIGs) for the brutal assault on the IRB (India Reserve Battalion) camp in Naranseina, Bishnupur District resulting in the tragic loss of two CRPF personnel and injuries to several others while terming it as deeply disturbing and condemnable.

The Kuki's apex body stated that the Central Security Forces have been steadfast in safeguarding innocent civilians on both sides of the Buffer Zones, ensuring public safety, restoring order, and fostering hope amid the aftermath of ethnic cleansing inflicted by certain groups against the Kukis.

While strongly denouncing such acts of terrorism targeting the Central Security Forces who work tirelessly to protect the people, the Kuki Inpi Manipur stated that these actions display a flagrant disregard for law and order, enabled by the impunity enjoyed by VBIGs under the Manipur State Government.

Kuki Inpi Manipur also expressed alarmed by hasty accusations against the Kukis for the attack, likely orchestrated by VBIGs to deflect blame and tarnish the Kuki community's reputation.

It stated that Media outlets must adhere to journalistic principles by refraining from speculative reporting and instead conducting thorough investigations.

"Rushing to assign blame without evidence not only misleads the public but also fuels discord", KIM stated

It went to say that Journalists must prioritize accuracy and integrity to foster a better understanding of such complex situations.

In solidarity with the grieving families of the CRPF personnel, Kuki Inpi Manipur hopes for an end to such acts of terrorism in modern India.

The Committee on Tribal Unity, Sadar Hills Kangpokpi District stated that the depiction of the recent attack on CRPF personnel by Kuki-Zo Militants in Naranseina, under Moirang PS, Bishnupur District, by national television channels like India Today, News X, and other reputable media platforms is deeply regrettable and misinformed.

The Committee pointed out that the areas is predominantly inhabited by the Meitei community and there is no valid reason for the Kuki-Zo to encroached beyond the buffer zones but protecting our side of geographical divide is our sole prerogative and not beyond.

It stated that upholding our side of the geographical divide is paramount, and the Kuki-Zo community has historically valued the neutrality of Central Security Forces in safeguarding civilians from state-sponsored violence.

"Engaging in conflict with the Central Security Forces goes against our own best interests", asserted the Committee.

The committee further stated that the Meitei Community has a history of consistent and deliberate falsehoods over the past 11 months, combined with adept storytelling skills, in fabricating narratives against the Kuki-Zo community and their biased and untrue accounts in their media outlets have fueled greater animosity between the two conflicting communities.

CoTU also pointed out that the Officer in Charge of Moirang PS, Bishnupur District, must be held accountable for filing baseless FIRs against the Kuki-Zo, abusing official capacity to persecute them.

CoTU while urging the national media to verify their sources and refrain from biased reporting, especially from regions known for such practices, stated that it's crucial to uphold journalistic ethics for fair and balanced reporting.

The Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF) strongly denounced the assault on Kuki-Zo areas near Khoirentak in Manipur's Bishnupur district in the early hours of Saturday, April 27, 2024, resulting in the tragic loss of two CRPF personnel stationed at the buffer zone.

The ITLF also refuted media reports implicating Kuki militants in the attack, cautioning against relying solely on information from Manipur Police, which is under the control of the Meitei government.

It urged the media to seek balanced perspectives before endorsing any biased narrative.

ITLF clarified that Meitei militants perpetrated the assault on tribal territories.

It stated that the Kuki-Zo tribals consistently value the presence of central security forces and have commended their efforts in safeguarding civilian lives.

While recalling the recent protest at Gamgiphai in Kangpokpi district urging the central security forces to remain in the area, the ITLF pointed out that it is the Meitei community that obstructs the peacekeeping efforts of central forces while Meitei militants target tribal villages.

The ITLF also extend deepest condolences to the families of the two courageous CRPF jawans and stand in solidarity with them during this difficult time.