Three Kuki men waylaid, brutally murdered; KIM, COTU, ITLF condemn

The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF) and Committee on Tribal Unity, Kangpokpi, (COTU) have strongly condemned the deliberate persecution of the Kuki people in the wake of ethnic cleansing perpetrated by majority Meiteis, sponsored by State machineries, against the minority Kukis since May 3, 2023.

On Tuesday at about 8:20 AM, three Kuki men were waylaid on their way in between Ireng and Kharam Vaiphei villages and brutally killed them in Kangchup area, Kangpokpi district, by Meiteis' Police commandos.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), KIM stated that the Manipur Government has become the aggressor and persecutor against the Union of India and against the minority Kukis. Apex body of the Kuki tribes urged that Indian government should protect it citizens.

"The deliberate persecution against our people is most condemnable. India must protect its citizens," KIM said.

COTU stated that the repeated attacks on the Kuki-Zo villages by the State-sponsored terrorists from the valley continues unabated. "In the latest of such attacks between Ireng village and Kharam Vaiphei, three innocent villagers of Kangchup Area were killed this morning."

The deceased persons were identified as Satneo Tuboi of K. Ponlen; Ngamminlun Lhouvm of K. Ponlen and Ngamminlun Kipgen of Lhangkichoi Village (Secy. Thadou Artiste Association).

COTU warned that such cold blooded murder of the Innocent Kuki-Zo Villagers would not be tolerated and befitting action would be taken against stray Meitei terrorists trespassing into the Hills.

COTU also stated that if the Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, is sincere in its appeal for normalcy then he must immediately declare all Valley districts as 'Disturbed Areas' under AFSPA failing which, COTU warns, it will be considered as an inaction from the Union Home Ministry to provide Leeway for the "Wiping out Campaign" initiated by the State Autocratic leadership and that the Kuki people would be left with no choice but to retaliate in full scale and might.

In its press condemnation, the Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF) stated that the involvement of well-trained and armed Meitei terrorist groups, working hand in glove with the Meitei population, have given a new dimension to the ethnic conflict which would be a big obstacle in the road towards peace in the state.

"A report by the news agency PTI said officials have been warning for the past few weeks about the resurgence of banned valley-based groups like UNLF, PLA, KYKL, and PREPAK in the state. The Kuki-Zo tribals have steadfastly tried to maintain peace after the initial bout of violence in May, but the unending attacks and arson are testing us to the limit," ITLF said.

The tribal leaders forum vehemently condemned the latest killing of tribal civilians and urged the central government to crack down on valley insurgent groups and reimpose the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in valley areas immediately since the state government and sections of the police force are openly siding with the majority community.