Senapati, Manipur | EKHON: The Naga People’s Organisation (NPO), Senapati, has strongly reacted to a 48-hour ultimatum reportedly issued by Kuki civil bodies, questioning the basis on which the NSCN-IM and the Tangkhul community were blamed for the deaths of two Kuki individuals.
In a press release issued Friday, the NPO expressed shock over the ultimatum served by Kuki Inpi Manipur, Kuki Organisation for Human Rights (KOHUR), and the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), stating that such accusations without credible evidence could worsen the already fragile situation in the region.
The organisation condemned the loss of lives and described the incident as unfortunate, while warning that unverified allegations and inflammatory statements would only escalate tensions between communities.
“The Naga People’s Organisation strongly condemns such incidents involving unknown miscreants and expresses deep concern over the loss of lives,” the statement said, adding that violence and baseless accusations could disturb the delicate peace in the hill districts.
The NPO also reminded the Kuki community of earlier incidents where tensions could have escalated but were contained due to restraint shown by the Naga community. It cited the alleged dismantling of a waiting shed and communal slogans such as “Kukiland” and “Stay Away Nagas” written on a stone at Ireng Naga village, as well as threats reportedly issued by a self-styled commander of the KNF (P) to attack the village.
Another incident mentioned in the statement was the burning of a residential building at Lungwiuram, which the NPO attributed to suspected Kuki miscreants. The organisation said that in those instances, it intervened to calm the situation and advised local communities to avoid escalation.
The NPO also referred to an earlier incident at K. Songlung, stating that the United Naga Council (UNC) had promptly taken responsibility and intervened to prevent further tensions.
According to the organisation, the current communal tension in the Litan area may have its roots in an incident on the night of February 7, when a man identified as Starling was allegedly severely assaulted after accidentally flashing a torchlight in the dark.
The group alleged that the matter could have been peacefully resolved if it had been addressed promptly. It further claimed that delays and negligence in customary dispute-resolution practices contributed to the escalation of the situation.
The NPO also raised concerns over the reported abduction of a resident of Sinakeithei village by armed militants while he was working in his field, questioning the intention behind such acts.
Referring to the recent incident in which one person sustained a leg injury and two others were killed, the organisation said the alleged abduction of 21 Tangkhul commuters on a highway could not be justified under any circumstances.
The NPO urged authorities to identify and take legal action against all those involved in the abduction in a time-bound manner to ensure the safety and security of civilians.
At the same time, the organisation called on Kuki Inpi Manipur, KOHUR, and CoTU to withdraw the 48-hour ultimatum, warning that any consequences arising from it would be their responsibility.
Appealing for calm, the NPO urged all communities and organisations to exercise restraint and allow competent authorities to conduct a proper investigation to establish the facts surrounding the incidents.
