The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), Sadar Hills, has alleged that the operational reach of the NSCN-IM has become the "biggest liability" to peace and stability in the Northeast, asserting that the group's continued activities are impeding efforts to restore law and order in the region.
Following the attack on Thingkhongjang village, CoTU claimed that the Tangkhul-led NSCN-IM's "limitless operational capability" across the northeastern states has emerged as a major bottleneck to the restoration of peace and normalcy. It further alleged that the armed group's influence has become a serious challenge for both the Government of India and state authorities in maintaining security.
The tribal body urged the Centre and the Manipur government to take decisive action to curb what it described as the unchecked activities of NSCN-IM and the ZUF (Kamson), alleging that the two armed groups have been destabilising the region, particularly Kuki-Zo inhabited areas in the hill districts.
CoTU maintained that unless the operational capabilities of the armed groups are effectively restrained, restoring lasting peace and public confidence in the conflict-affected hills would remain difficult. It called for immediate and firm intervention by the authorities to prevent further escalation of violence and ensure the protection of civilians.
The statement came in the wake of Sunday's attack on Thingkhongjang village, in which CoTU alleged that explosives were hurled at a church during worship, injuring civilians and damaging church property.
In the incident, a minor girl and a woman sustained severe injuries and they were admitted at RIMS Hospital, Imphal.
The Hills Journal
K. Salbung, Churachandpur
Manipur-795128
