LAWU clarifies the Leimakhong Chingmang incident, tenders apology to Akhon's family

The Leimakhong Area Women Union (LAWA), on behalf of the entire community comprising 29 Kuki villages clarified the unfortunate Leimakhong Chingmang incident on the night of June 18 where five houses were burnt down by unknown miscreants.

Vehemently condemning the incident, the LAWU clarified that we do not condone any form of violence or arson in and around the Leimakhong area.

While extending an apology, particularly to the family of Akhon Abonmai of K. Lungwuiram, whose house was also burned inadvertently, the LAWU Vice President, Hatpi Kipgen said that we own the mistake committed by unknown miscreants, who could be from either the Meitei or the Kuki community, who do not imbibe the values of our community.

Extending solidarity to Akhon's family, LAWU Vice President, Hatpi Kipgen also said that we understand the pain and trauma caused by the incident, and we assure everyone that we are committed to maintaining peace and harmony in the region.

Meanwhile, LAWU highlighted how the Kuki community has a history of being a peace-loving and inclusive community.

LAWU Vice President, Hatpi Kipgen recalled that despite several attacks from the Meitei community, we have been trying since May 3 to maintain peace and harmony in the region.

As a gesture of goodwill, we released a man named A. Yaima, ex-Pradhan of Khurkhul village who was caught while trying to burn down the Church at L Saronphai village, she added.

She continued that on May 4, the day one of our innocent boys named Haominthang Chongloi was killed by the Meetei mob, we released six Meitei men who were nabbed by the angry mob, and handed them over to their families unharmed the same day.

Moreover, on June 8, two Meitei people entered our village in Leimakhong but were released unscathed in the presence of the Indian Army, added Hatpi Kipgen.

She further said that we have opened the water supply though the Meitei community are yet to fulfill their part of the understanding to open up roads for our civil and medical supplies while adding that the Indian Army and the central forces are witnesses to our peaceful conduct, which is a reflection of our cultural values.

The LAWU Vice President while she expressed regret for the unfortunate incident, urged all communities to work towards maintaining peace and harmony in the region.