Ukhrul, Manipur | EKHON: The Katho Long and Katho Katamnao Long have strongly condemned the Kuki Students Organization (Ukhrul District) and Litan Sareikhong Village Authority’s press statements, calling them “fake” and “one-sided”. The groups claim the Kuki organizations are misrepresenting facts to portray themselves as victims, despite initiating the violence over a minor altercation.
According to the statement, the Kuki individuals attacked a person, breaking his jaw, and there’s no record of the victim’s family approaching the Litan Sareikhong Chief for a peaceful resolution. The Tangkhul groups demand the Kuki organizations retract their statements, acknowledging they were misleading.
The statement also highlights concerns over security forces’ handling of the situation, questioning why Kuki militants were allowed to fire blank rounds near deployed security personnel, creating fear among locals. “What kind of rule of law is being applied here?” the statement reads.
This isn’t the first instance of alleged Kuki aggression, with a similar incident last year involving a Winger driver being beaten up. An undertaking was made between Tangkhul and Kuki leaders, but the Kuki groups seem to have ignored it.
The Tangkhul groups warn they’ve tried maintaining peace but will no longer tolerate such behavior. They’ve restricted Kuki movement in Ukhrul and Kamjong districts, with monitoring and picketing in place until further notice. The groups will take necessary action to protect their people and land.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho, along with Ukhrul MLA Ram Muivah visited the affected area and convened a high-level meeting and appealed for peace from both parties.
