Kuki Zo bodies condemns attack on Kuki Zo Council chairman’s residence

Different Kuki Zo bodies have condemned the attack carried out by some miscreants at the residence of Vaiphei People’s Council president and Kuki Zo Council chairman Henlianthang Thanglet on the night of February and the damaged caused to the VPC office on February 12.

The Kuki Inpi Manipur issued a statement on February 16 stating that, “ such unbrotherly acts at a time when we ought to come together and take collective steps toward our shared goals are deeply regrettable. Instead of engaging in internal conflict, we must uphold unity. As people of the same blood and shared heritage, we must not treat one another as strangers or adversaries”.

The Kuki Inpi Manipur urges everyone to exercise restraint and refrain from acts of violence against one another. Such actions are shameful, reprehensible, and detrimental to our collective cause.
The Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF) stated that such an act that constitutes a grаvе insult not only to the institution but to the dignity of the entire Vaiphei community.

The Kuki zo body stated that such repeated attacks are not merely directed at an individual, they are a direct assault on the collective leadership and unity of the Kuki-zo people. Targeting a recognised tribal leader and desecrating a tribal office reflects a dangerous attempt to sow division, instil fear, and amount to the highest form of disrespect toward a tribe and expose the perpetrators intent to fracture communal harmony, stated the release.

ITLF urged the law enforcement authorities to immediately identify, apprehend, and book the culprits under the relevant provisions of law while stating that failure to act may embolden anti-social elements and could lead to unwanted communal tension. ITLF also appeals to all sections of society to remain calm, vigilant, and united.

“ We will not allow intimidation or violence to weaken our collective resolve. An attack on one of our leaders is an attack on all, and we stand firmly in defence of our institutions, our dignity, and our unity”, stated the release.

While the politicians, social leaders and Church leaders are busy looking forward for concrete solution and peaceful co-existence amongst the communities, some section of the society persistently creating chaos and panicking the common people habitually says Vaiphei Peopes Council General headquarter.

The council while condemning the incident stated that such barbaric acts can derail peace and tranquility of the town.The Vaiphei Peoples' Council expressed shock as to how such unwanted incidents can happened in the heart of the town, where thick populated area and tight security personnel are deployed.
The Council requested the District Administrators to book those culprits and responsible persons and bring them to justice, failure in which Vaiphei Peoples' Council GHQs and its constituents body will not remain silent spectator.

Kuki Inpi Churachandpur and Kuki Chiefs' Association, Churachandpur also issued a joint statement in condemnation of the incident stating that such unprecedented act of violence, carried out in the presence of security guards, is a glaring breach of security protocols and a failure of the security machinery.
The two bodies stated that the incident is the first instance of a bomb attack on a civil society leader in the district, highlighting the gravity of the situation. The two bodies demanded that the authorities take immediate and stringent action against the perpetrators.

“ The government must book and arrest the culprits at the earliest. Failure to do so will be seen as a dereliction of duty, and the government will be held responsible for any consequences that follow. We urge the authorities to act swiftly and decisively to ensure the safety and security of citizens and civil society leaders”, the two bodies added.

They also appealed to the public to condemn and shun such acts of violence, and instead resolve issues through dialogue and mutual respect.