Photo Courtesy: nenow
Imphal: Violence erupted in the Nungba sub-division of Manipur on July 8. Arsonists torched Nungthut and Khongmol villages, leaving behind a trail of destruction. Naga and Kuki-Zo groups are now pointing fingers at each other for the chaos.
The Nungba Area Village Authority Association, which represents local Naga interests, blamed residents of Nungthut village. They claimed attackers fired upon nearby Rongmei Naga settlements. The group called the violence reckless. They stated, "The Naga community would not tolerate acts of terror or intimidation."
The Committee on Tribal Unity in Kangpokpi told a different story. They identified the attackers as armed cadres from the NSCN-IM and the ZUF Kamson faction. The group claimed the fire destroyed 30 homes in Nungthut and 15 in Khongmol. They also linked the attack to a July 2 incident at Leikot village.
The timing of the fire raises questions. The attack happened while the United Naga Council and government officials met in Senapati to discuss an economic blockade. Both sides want the state and Central governments to move fast. Kuki-Zo leaders demand more security troops in the hills to block future raids.
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