Kuki MLAs in Sadar Hills Condemn Meitei Aggression During Christmas, Call for Restraint and Vigilance

The Kuki-Zo leadership in Sadar Hills, Kangpokpi, has strongly denounced the ongoing attacks on their communities in fringe areas such as Saibol, Twichin, Mongneljang, and S. Khonomphai. These assaults, allegedly carried out by radical Meitei groups since December 24, have cast a shadow over Christmas celebrations, drawing sharp condemnation.

In a joint statement, the three MLAs, Nemcha Kipgen, Minister for Textiles, Commerce and Industries and Cooperation, Haokholet Kipgen and Kimneo Hangshing called the aggression “shameful and condemnable,” asserting that the targeted areas lie firmly within their administrative domain. They rejected interference from valley-based authorities, emphasizing the competence of their governance structures.

For 19 months, the Kuki-Zo community has endured ethnic and religious persecution, the statement highlighted, with the recent violence adding to their suffering during a season meant for peace. Yet, the leadership urged their people to remain vigilant and steadfast, prioritizing the protection of their land without resorting to retaliation.

The leaders also appealed to the Inter-Agency Unified Command to prevent the establishment of camps for valley-based insurgent groups in the sensitive hill-valley border areas. They further cautioned state police against becoming tools of radical organizations like Arambai Tenggol, which they accused of acting as “Trojan horses” in the conflict.

“This unprovoked aggression during Christmas is a deliberate provocation designed to erode our hopes for peace and reconciliation,” the statement declared. The Kuki-Zo leadership expressed deep disappointment with the valley-based Meitei leadership’s failure to foster harmony, contrasting it with their own commitment to pursuing political aspirations through civil and restrained means.

The message concluded with a call for resilience and unity, urging the Kuki-Zo people to rise above provocations and continue their dignified fight for justice and self-determination.