Barely a day after Indians celebrated the momentous Republic Day, a Kuki-Zo Satang village in Saikul Sub Division of Kangpokpi district came under attack early this morning leading to the death of one Kuki village volunteer in the incident.
The deceased has been identified as Tilminlun Khongsai, 26, from Ng. Phainom village, who was on duty at Satang village which shares a boundary with Meitei villages.
Manipur Yaiphare, a social media handler, first shared the information on a Facebook post claiming that the UNLF-MPA cadres launched a successful attack with the support of Col. Akash Oinam, Commanding Officer of 18th Assam Rifles posted in the area.
In the viral video, a well-armed group of people who claimed themselves to be senior UNLF-MPA cadres said they had successfully launched the attack at around 4:30 am and killed as many as 20/30 Kuki-Zo people while sending out a congratulatory message to their fellow communities that they could have a victorious sumptuous dinner.
However, contrary to their claim, only one Kuki-Zo volunteer was buried at the Kuki-Zo Martyrs’ Cemetery at Phaijang this afternoon.
The Committee on Tribal Unity, or the CoTU, Sadar Hills vehemently condemned the attack in Satang village this morning allegedly by the prescribed UNLF-MPA and Meitei militia, the Arambai Tenggol and condoled the death of its village volunteers, Tilminlun Khongsai while defending the Satang area.
The Kuki-Zo people also accused Col. Akash Oinam, the Commanding Officer of the 18th Assam Rifles of helping the Meitei militant group in attacking Satang Kuki village the day after he received the prestigious ‘Mentioned in Dispatches’ Military Gallantry Award at the 75th Republic Day celebration.
How the Meitei militia and secessionist UNLF-MPA could trespass into the Kuki-Zo-dominated areas despite heavy deployment and the presence of centre security forces, especially, the 18th Assam Rifles wondered the Committee on Tribal Unity, Sadar Hills.
Perhaps, it is construed as the presence of a Meitei officer, Col. Akash Oinam, CO of the 18th Assam Rifles within the Kuki-Zo areas is the possible reason for the attack, alleged CoTU.
Considering the circumstances, the Committee drew the attention of the Centre Government to depute a non-Manipuri officer in all sectors, the AR, BSF, GR, CRPF, and other central forces covering Kuki-Zo dominated to maintain neutrality and sanctity of the force.
The Committee also paid the highest funeral homage to Tilminlun Khongsai at the Martyrs’ Cemetery at Phaijang while assuring the bereaved family that the sacrifice made by the braveheart volunteer would not go in vain.
Meanwhile, the apex body of the Kuki tribes, the Kuki Inpi Manipur also condemned the Satang Kuki village attack by the alleged Meitei militants this morning and considered it as instigating a state of fear and unrest among the Kuki civilians in the region.
The Kuki top body also alleged that the Meitei militants successfully breached the buffer zone with the assistance of Col. Akash Oinam, Commanding Officer of the 18th Assam Rifles.
Notably, Col. Akash Oinam, a Meitei officer, has been engaging in unwarranted hostilities against the Kukis in the operating zone of the 18th Assam Rifles, it alleged while adding that prominent Kuki civil society organizations have been advocating for the replacement of Col. Akash Oinam due to his biased operations against the Kukis.
KIM also stated that, it is essential to note that the attack on Satang Kuki village occurred following the Manipur state Government’s surrender to the Meitei militants at Kangla Fort on January 24.
It stated that the Meitei legislators from Manipur comprising 37 MLAs, including the Chief Minister, and the two MPs took an oath under the Arambai Tenggol, the Meitei militant group responsible for orchestrating ethnic cleansing against the Kukis.
“This implicit commitment signifies their intent to wage an all-out war against the Kukis”, KIM stated.
KIM also called for decisive action against Col. Akash Oinam who allegedly appears to be derelict in his duty and responsibility as the Commanding Officer of the 18th Assam Rifles.
Similarly, the supply of arms and ammunition by the Manipur state Government to the Meitei militants and the subsequent surrender of law and order, directly responsible for the incessant attacks on the Kukis, must be dealt with resolute order and safeguard the rights and security of the minority Kukis, stated KIM.
The Kuki top body further stated that the undemocratic and unconstitutional development unfolding in the Manipur region, particularly under the Meitei-dominated Manipur state Government could set a devastating precedent, potentially triggering state-sponsored terrorism and lawlessness in other states of the country.
KIM then opined that the Government of India must initiate immediate measures to end the egregious violation of human rights in Manipur and the Government must put an end to this state-sponsored terrorism – the collusion of the state Government and the Meitei militants against the Kukis.
KIM also stated that the unending hostilities between the Meiteis and the Kukis is an urgent call for a separate administrative unit for the two communities and the Government of India must no longer wait to restore peace, security, and justice in the region.
