Photo Courtesy: ukhrultimes
Imphal: The United Naga Council (UNC) has formally rejected claims by the Kuki Organisation for Human Rights Trust (KOHUR) that Naga groups were responsible for the May 13 ambush in Ukhrul. The attack resulted in the deaths of three Thadou Baptist Church leaders and left several others wounded.
In an official statement, the UNC dismissed the accusations as politically motivated mischief. The council argued that it would be suicidal for Naga armed groups to infiltrate areas controlled by Kuki militants. They pointed to reliable reports suggesting that the attackers spoke in the Kuki dialect and possessed precise intelligence regarding the victims, including their vehicle movements and seating arrangements.
The UNC further noted that Dr. Sitlhou, one of the victims, was struck by 15 bullets at point-blank range, suggesting a targeted execution. The council also addressed allegations involving the ZUF-J, noting that both ZUF-J and ZUF-K have denied any involvement in the violence.
According to the UNC, the murder likely stems from ongoing tensions between the Kuki and Thadou communities. They suggested that Dr. Sitlhou’s public efforts as a peace-builder were perceived as being in opposition to Kuki political demands. The council concluded that the conflict within the Thadou-speaking group is well-documented in previous statements released by the Thadou Inpi Manipur.
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