The Village Volunteers, Tengnoupal District (Eastern Zone), has clarified to the public and all concerned authorities that the unwanted incident that took place yesterday, the 30th of December 2023 at M. Chahnou and Lhangkichoi Veng areas of Moreh was a direct consequence of the communal Manipur government's atrocities and hatred upon the indigenous Kuki-Zo people in Tengnoupal District in particular and the current state of Manipur as a whole.
In its statement on Sunday, the Village Volunteers warned that they will not remain silent as long as rogue Manipur state forces are not withdrawn completely from the land of Kuki-Zo tribals including Moreh border town.
Since each and every Kuki-Zo citizens including 10 MLAs, Ministers and high ranking government officers have already left Imphal valley, the Kuki volunteers have advised the Meiteis to leave the hill areas especially the Kuki-Zo areas to avoid further killing and violence.
"It is neither the interest of VV nor Kuki-Zo community to spill Meitei blood in the hills but it is the Meitei people who has to make the move now," the statement said.
The volunteers also strongly advised all non-Manipuris (non-Meitei) persons serving in the police department, IRB including the so called police commandos working under the government of Manipur to leave Moreh immediately to avoid bloodshed and misunderstanding between different communities. Otherwise, the statement said, the Kuki-Zo people will not be held responsible in case of any eventuality that may arise.
Meanwhile, the Kuki Inpi Tengnoupal (KIT), affiliated to the Kuki Inpi Manipur, has condemned the despicable act of Manipuri Commandos at Lhangkichoi Veng, Moreh following gunfight with unidentified gunmen on Saturday.
A heavy gunfight broke out between the commandos and some gunmen around 3:30pm following which the commandos intruded Lhangkichoi Veng locality and fired indiscriminately.
While the panic-stricken locals were fleeing the place for their own safety, the Commandos and Arambai Tenggol goons took advantage and burnt down three houses at Lhangkichoi Veng, Moreh Town in the Kuki-Zo dominated Tengnoupal district, the Kuki body alleged.
Secretary of KIT Media and Publicity, Kaikholal Haokip said, "The Manipur state commandos posted in the Indo-Myanmar town of Moreh are known for their harassment, killing and enjoying pigs, dogs, chickens, ransacking properties, burning public houses and targeted firing. This clearly shows again the evil and communal intention of the Manipur state government against the Kuki-Zo community. The dastardly act reveals the presence of communal elements within the state forces in Moreh town."
Strongly condemning the arsoning and indiscriminate firing towards the Kuki-Zo localities, the Kuki Inpi Tengnoupal urged the competent authority to immediately remove the Commandos from Moreh town for peace and normalcy.
The Kuki Inpi Tengnoupal, which directly holds the Manipur government responsible for the incident, also warned of serious impact if the State forces continue targeting the Kuki-Zo people.
The Kuki Inpi appreciated the 5 Assam Rifles and other Security Forces for their timely intervention which has brought the situation under control.
The Hills Journal
K. Salbung, Churachandpur
Manipur-795128
