Kuki Zo Council ask government to clarify the status of cease fire agreement with NSCN IM

Questioning why NSCN-IM cadres are reportedly allowed to operate freely in Kamjong, Ukhrul and Chandel districts, despite the ceasefire arrangement being understood to apply to Nagalandn Kuki Zo Council has asked the government of India to clarify the situation and take immediate action to stop further attacks.

In a release on Sunday, KZC stated that the security situation in Kamjong district, particularly Chassad village, has deteriorated alarmingly. “ Within just over a week, four Kuki-Zo civilians have been killed, exposing the government’s failure to protect innocent lives” says KZC

Recalling series of incidents, KZC stated that on 9 October Domkhonei Touthang was reportedly killed by firing from the Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB), Michael Ngamminlen Haokip was killed the following day and on 15 October, Hatneikim Haokip was killed while travelling with her husband to Phaikoh to purchase essential commodities and her husband was seriously injured.

KZC stated that on 17 October, at around 2 in the evening, Kuki-Zo men repairing electricity infrastructure barely 60 metres from Chassad Police Station reportedly came under fire from a bunker within the station premises. In the incident, Seikhohao Haokip of Chassad, was killed, and four others were injured followed by renewed attacks that reportedly burnt more than 30 houses, forcing residents to flee.

The council stated that reports of NSCN-IM involvement warrant an impartial investigation. Stating that an economic embargo is also reportedly preventing Kuki-Zo civilians in Kamjong from purchasing essential commodities, KZC demands unrestricted access to essential supplies and the immediate deployment of Central security forces between the Police Station and Chassad village to protect civilians.

KZC stated that the repeated killings and destruction of Kuki-Zo homes raise grave concerns that the community is being driven out of its ancestral land.

KZC urges central and state government to ensure civilian protection, hold those responsible accountable, provide ex-gratia assistance to the bereaved families, and compensate those whose houses have been burnt.

The Kuki-Zo people are citizens of India and are entitled to equal protection under the Constitution. The government must act urgently to prevent further loss of life and ensure their safety and dignity the release added.