Union Home Minister’s proposed visit to Manipur a sense of security, says KNO, UPF

On the eve of Union Home Minister, Amit Shah's visit to Manipur tomorrow, the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and United People's Front (UPF) expressed their hope with a sense of security among the Kuki-Zo community.

While paying homage to the precious innocent lives lost in the ongoing ethnic clash, the military outfits, who were under Suspension of Operation, stated that the ethnic violence against Kuki-Zo people by the neighbouring Meitei people has taken more than 60 precious tribal lives.

In a press statement issued on Sunday, the Kuki insurgent groups alleged that their people were attacked by the Meitei mob, backed by the State Police Commandos, which has aggravated the situation. The state Government has been a silent spectator, the statement said.

It stated that the Kuki-Zo tribes acknowledged the deployment of Central Forces in troubled areas as a positive step to safeguard our community from further attack.

"Now that the Honourable Union Home Minister, Shri Amit Shah is visiting Manipur for three days for on-the-spot study of the situation to find a solution to the ongoing ethnic clashes, we view the Union Government's initiative positive," it stated.

The KNO and UPF also said that the peace-loving Kuki Zo tribes were forced to protect their lives, when they were attacked by the armed Meitei mob, who were tacitly supported by the State Government machinery.

While looking forward to thr Union Home Minister's actions and directions to end this ongoing ethnic clash between the two communities, the organisations stated that their the planned visit has given a sense of security among the Kuki Zo tribes.

KNO and UPF appealed to Kuki Zo population to maintain peace and wait for the outcome of Amit Shah's peace mission to the state.

Meanwhile, Dr. Seilen, Spokesperson KNO, clarified that KNO and UPF cadres, under SoO, were not involve in the fight between Kuki-Meitei communities.

"SoO groups are not involved in this fight. They are in the designated camp, inspected by the army. No SoO cadres are injured or died," said Dr. Seilen Haokip.

KNO Spokesperson also said that the Kukis were specifically targeted by thr Meiteis who were led by the Manipur Police Commandos alongwith radical groups of Arambai Tenggol and Meitei Leepun in attacking tribal villages.

It was an ethnic cleansing perpetrated by the majority people on the minority tribals. The fight was between Meitei radicals alongwith Meitei mobs, State Police commando and the Kuki civilians, he added.