One died, another injured, Village burnt; KIM, ITLF condemn intermittent aggression upon Kuki-Zo community

Notwithstanding the Peace Committee formed for initiation of normalcy in violent-torn Manipur, the majority community's aggression on minority tribal groups continued, leaving a village volunteer dead and one injured.

The alleged indiscriminate firing upon the Kuki-Zo villagers by the alleged State sponsored military groups took place at Loklakphai Village, near Torbung under Churachandpur district, Manipur. The villagers and volunteers who were guarding the tribal villages were fired upon using sophisticated weapons and allegedly shot with Snipers, thereby killing one Muansang (23) of Vengnuam, Churachandpur, and injuring another volunteer.

Notably, the incident took place during the Governor of Manipur's visit to Lamka (Churachdnpur). The Governor, Anusuiya Uikey today visited the violent-hit Churachandpur and visited Relief Centers set up for displaced persons from different places.

While strongly condemning the Meitei separatist groups attacked on the Kuki-Zo village, the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF) stated that such heinous act served as a clear indication that the Meitei groups were not interested in promoting peace.

The Kuki Inpi Manipur vehemently condemned the intermittent aggression being carried out by the Meiteis upon the Kukis whenever peace initiative is undertaken by the government particularly in Kuki-inhabited areas.

A press statement issued on Monday stated that there have been incidents of violent attacks by the Meiteis, even during the visit of the Union Home Minister, aided and abetted by the State police commandos, the IRB's along with the radical Meiteis groups, the Arambai Tenggol and the Meitei Leepun.

It said, "On the 12th June, 2023 when the Governor of Manipur visited Churachandpur on a peace mission, the dastardly attack by the Meiteis upon the Kukis at Torbung Loklaiphai has resulted in the death of 1 (one) Kuki village volunteer. The acts of aggression by the Meiteis even during the visits of the Union Home Minister and the Governor of Manipur is total disregard and vilification to the Government of India's peace plan."

While deeply condoling the families of the fallen martyrs who have made supreme sacrifices in the cause of their political destiny, KIM prayed for God's comfort to the bereaved families in that trying times.

Moreover, KIM stated, there have been similar Meiteis offensives at Khopibung-Aigejang area and between Semol- Phailengkot villages in Saikul Sub-division too, wherein Khopibung village has been completely burnt down while its neighboring villages remained under imminent destruction.

"In this most critical situation, it is pertinent to ask if the much-hyped peace effort by the ruling dispensation is a ploy to vanquish and annihilate the Kukis? Unless the government rein in the Meitei terrorists and its radicalized organizations first, its call for peace will remain a distant dream," KIM stated.

The Kuki Inpi Manipur stated that they have not an iota of hope and confidence in the Peace Committee formed by the Ministry of Home Affairs (N-E Division) where war-monger C.M. N. Biren Singh is accorded membership in it.