MoS Home, BJP Spokesperson visit Tribal Leaders; Gun firing still occurs in Churachandpur

A day after the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, along with the BJP National Spokesperson, Dr. Sambit Patra failed to meet the 20-member delegation of local tribal leaders, including six women in Churachandpur, the visiting team finally met the tribal leaders today at Mini-Secretariat, Tuibong Churachandpur.

The visit marks the first time that central political leaders have visited the violent-hit Churachandpur and Kangpokpi districts since the outbreak of wide-scale ethnic violence from May 3, 2023.

The delegation team led by the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) briefed the MoS about the sequence of violence, alleged atrocities, and crimes committed against innocent tribal Kukis. They also presented the political demands of the Kukis and submitted a memorandum demanding a separate administration for hill areas in Manipur.

The visiting team after listening to the grievances and political demands put forth by the delegation team assured them that they would take-up the issues with the Ministry of Home Affairs. Nityanand Rai also reiterated that Union Home Minister Amit Shah would be visiting Manipur for a three-day visit to address the concerns of the people.

Meanwhile, a sit-in protest organized by the ITLF Women Wing was going on in full swing in front of the Mini-Secretariat Complex, Tuibong and in front of Churachandpur Police Station along the Imphal – Tiddim Road. Hundreds of internally displaced people who fled their homes also took part in the protest, sharing their ordeals and demanding separate administration for the oppressed Kuki people.

Even as MoS Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai and BJP Spokesperson visited the violent-hit Churachandpur today, the Manipur Police commando and combined forces of Arambai Tenggol, Salaicha Pibarel Punshi Marup and Meetei Leepun came in over 30 vehicles and attacked Gothol and Kangvai Kuki-Zo villages once again, under Churachandpur district today evening at about 5:30Pm.

As per sources, Police commandos even used 2-inch-Mortar in attacking Tribal Village volunteers who were guarding the villages. The gun firing continued till the filing of this report.

Atleast one volunteer sustained injury and one died at the spot. The deceased has been identified as one Jacbob Touthang. He was survived by his wife and three children.

Mentioned may be made that the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai and the BJP National Spokesperson, Dr, Sambit Patra had also visited severely affected Kangpokpi district yesterday.

During the meeting, K. Sitlhou, the Spokesperson of the Committee on Tribals Unity, Sadar Hills, presented a detailed account of the sequence of violence, alleged atrocities, and crimes committed against innocent tribal Kukis. The leaders attentively listened to Sitlhou's presentation, which included supporting evidence in the form of documents and videos.

In response, Minister of State (MHA), Nityanand Rai, assured the gathering that the central government stands for the welfare of all its citizens and that justice will be served. He acknowledged the loss of lives, properties, and villages due to the violence, emphasizing the importance of peace in achieving progress. Expressing gratitude to the tribal Kuki community for their unwavering support to the BJP, Rai reiterated the government's commitment to delivering justice.