In a strongly worded statement, the Kuki-Zo Village Volunteers (KZVV) of Vangailhang and Tuilangkuol have condemned the incident of indiscriminate firing towards Phaitol Village by Manipur Police Commandos in the early hours today. This incident led to defensive retaliation by village volunteers.
The KZVV highlighted that the Naka Check Point of Jiribam Police near Phaitol Village has been a recurring source of conflict. Past incidents, including the disappearance and death of Mr. Seigoulen Singson, whose tormented body was found in the Jiri River, have escalated tensions. Last month, there was another incident of indiscriminate firing towards Phaitol village from the same checkpoint, prompting repeated appeals for its removal by Kuki civil society organizations (CSOs) and Phaitol villagers, which have so far gone unheeded.
An agreement had been reached between the District Authority of Tamenglong and Kuki-Zo CSOs for the deployment of both Central Security Forces and Manipur State Forces at the checkpoint. However, the KZVV claims this agreement was not implemented, leading to today's violent incident.
Following the incident, Phaitol Village underwent a combing operation, during which two youths were arrested by Central Security forces. The KZVV alleges that Meetei militants were allowed to burn houses in Phaitol village while Central Security forces turned a blind eye to their activities, even though these militants were reportedly frisking vehicles, including those of the Central Security Forces themselves.
The KZVV demands the immediate removal of the Jiribam Police Naka Check Point and the unconditional release of the two arrested villagers. They warn that failure to address these demands will result in the concerned authorities being held responsible for any further incidents arising from the perceived injustices against the Kuki-Zo minorities in Jiribam and surrounding areas.
The Hills Journal
K. Salbung, Churachandpur
Manipur-795128
