Imphal: The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) and the Ihang-Bungpi Working Committee have called for the immediate deployment of additional security forces in Manipur following recent attacks on Kuki villages.
The two Kuki organisations said armed men opened fire at Leplen village around midnight recently, injuring a civilian. According to them, the incident occurred days after security personnel were withdrawn from the area.
They also reported a pre-dawn arson attack at Taphou Kuki village in Kangpokpi district, which caused damage to property.
The organisations further raised concerns over a security operation at J. Songtun village, alleging that the action caused fear and distress among local residents.
CoTU attributed the attacks to Kacha Tangkhul-led NSCN-IM cadres and members of the Liangmei community. The organisations claimed the incidents were linked to tensions following the government’s action against an alleged illegal checkpoint at Namdilong.
They accused the authorities of withdrawing security from Kuki villages while maintaining protection in other areas, alleging that this amounted to unequal protection and violated residents’ constitutional right to life under Article 21.
The two bodies also alleged that vested political interests were attempting to destabilise the hill districts and weaken the state government led by Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh.
CoTU and the Ihang-Bungpi Working Committee demanded the immediate redeployment of central security forces to Leplen and Songmun villages.
Their demands include equal protection for civilians and property irrespective of community or location, arrests of those responsible for the recent attacks and arson, and legal action against leaders of the United Naga Council (UNC) and Sadar Hills District Sports Association (SDSA), whom they accused of contributing to tensions.
The organisations also called for restrictions on the operational movement of NSCN-IM cadres in the hill areas, saying stronger security measures were necessary to restore lasting peace.