Kuki SoO Groups Urge Communities, Armed Groups to Refrain from Retaliatory Actions That May Further Inflame Tensions

The Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and the United People's Front (UPF), representing the Suspension of Operations (SoO) groups of the Kuki-Zo people, have urged all communities and armed groups to exercise utmost restraint and refrain from any retaliatory actions that may further inflame tensions.

KNO and UPF issued a joint statement on Thursday condemning the ambush carried out on vehicles carrying church leaders of the Thadou Baptist Association (TBA) between Kotzim and Kotlen villages in Kangpokpi district on May 13.

The SoO groups stated that the heinous and inhuman attack, allegedly perpetrated by suspected Naga militants, resulted in the tragic loss of innocent lives and injuries to several others. They described it as an unforgivable act of violence against unarmed civilians and religious leaders who had tirelessly worked for peace, healing, and reconciliation amidst the ongoing suffering in Manipur.

The KNO and UPF demanded an immediate, impartial, and time-bound investigation into the "barbaric attack" and called upon the concerned authorities to identify, apprehend, and prosecute all perpetrators, conspirators, and those aiding such acts to the fullest extent of the law.

The two groups stated that violence only deepens wounds and prolongs the suffering of people, adding that the path forward must be one of justice, dialogue, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence.

"Such brutality is not only an attack on the Church and the Kuki-Zo community but also a direct assault on humanity, peace, and the sacred values of coexistence and civilization. The targeting of church leaders and innocent civilians can never be justified under any circumstance," the release stated.

KNO and UPF stated that such a savage act reflects a dangerous disregard for human life and threatens to further destabilize an already fragile situation in the state.

Unequivocally denouncing the atrocity and rejecting every form of violence directed against innocent people, religious institutions, and humanitarian representatives, the two groups stated that justice must not be delayed, diluted, or denied, and that the blood of innocent civilians and servants of God cries out for accountability.

The KNO and UPF reaffirmed their commitment to the Suspension of Operations agreement, the protection of civilians, maintenance of peace, and the pursuit of a just and honorable political solution through democratic means.

They also expressed solidarity with the bereaved families, the Church, and all those affected by this horrific tragedy.