Photo Courtesy: nenow
Imphal: The Kuki-Zo Council is demanding immediate federal action to halt a wave of violence in Manipur. Recent attacks in the Kamjong district killed four civilians in one week. The council claims these killings are part of a targeted campaign to force the Kuki-Zo community off their ancestral lands.
Violence spiked throughout October. An Indian Reserve Battalion officer allegedly shot a civilian, leading to a second death the following day. Later, a woman was killed and her husband was critically wounded while they traveled to Phaikoh for supplies. Near the Chassad Police Station, men repairing electrical infrastructure faced gunfire originating from a bunker inside the station. One person died and four were hurt. Subsequent attacks leveled over 30 houses.
The group demands the government verify the geographical reach of the NSCN-IM ceasefire agreement. They suspect NSCN-IM cadres are operating outside authorized areas in Kamjong, Ukhrul, and Chandel districts. An official statement noted that "the repeated killings and destruction of property appeared to be part of a wider effort to drive the Kuki-Zo community from its ancestral lands."
Residents face an economic embargo that cuts off access to basic goods. The council insists the government must deploy central security forces to the route between the local police station and Chassad village. They want an impartial probe into the violence and full financial compensation for all victims.
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