Photo Courtesy: ukhrultimes
Imphal: The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) held a coffin rally to honor three civilians killed during an attack on Loibol village in Kangpokpi district last Thursday. The organization identified the victims as Letkhongam Haokip, his wife Tinmary Haokip, and Jangminlal Haokip.
CoTU alleges that the violence, which involved burning several homes, was carried out by cadres from the NSCN-IM and the ZUF Kamson faction. The committee claims the incident was a "well-orchestrated" act designed to provoke the Kuki-Zo community and reignite the Kuki-Naga conflict of the 1990s. Furthermore, the group asserts that various Naga organizations are attempting to mobilize broader community opposition against the Kuki-Zo people through a series of recent incidents.
The committee also addressed the ongoing hostage crisis in Senapati district, where 14 Kuki-Zo civilians have been held for nearly a month. CoTU alleges that the planned release of these individuals on May 31 was disrupted by public protests incited by the Senapati District Students Association. This occurred despite efforts by the Chief Minister of Nagaland and regional Baptist church bodies to secure their freedom.
Criticism was also directed at the Rongmei Naga Council for its recent statement, which CoTU described as inappropriate for failing to condemn the violence while blaming Kuki underground groups. In response to the escalating tensions, the committee has urged the Government of India to take immediate action against the armed groups operating in the region.
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