The Foothills Naga Coordination Committee (FNCC) has rejected what it described as “malicious, misleading and fabricated” allegations made by the Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU) regarding the burning of houses belonging to Meitei and Naga families at Chingmang Leimakhong on July 11.
In a statement, the FNCC alleged that COTU had deliberately distorted facts and spread misinformation over the incident. It further claimed that since the outbreak of the ethnic conflict in Manipur, COTU had consistently promoted inflammatory narratives that, according to the committee, had deepened communal divisions, obstructed justice and fuelled hostility instead of contributing to peace and reconciliation.
Refuting allegations that members of the Naga community were responsible for the arson, the FNCC asserted that the claim was false and intended to deflect responsibility. It claimed that video footage, eyewitness testimonies and other material evidence indicated that the houses of Meitei and Naga families at Chingmang Leimakhong were set on fire by “Kuki refugees.” The committee further alleged that despite the availability of such evidence, COTU had continued to circulate what it described as a fabricated version of events in an attempt to shield those responsible and mislead the public.
The FNCC also criticised what it termed inconsistencies in statements issued by Kuki civil society organisations. It alleged that a prominent Kuki leader, speaking in his capacity as president of a Kuki civil society organisation, had publicly stated on camera that the six Naga hostages were killed in an emotional outburst but later withdrew the statement. According to the committee, such contradictory claims raised serious questions about the credibility of the narratives being advanced.
Maintaining that facts should be established through evidence rather than competing narratives, the FNCC called for an independent, impartial and transparent investigation into the Leimakhong arson and other related incidents. It said those found responsible should be identified and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The committee also urged the public not to be influenced by misinformation or attempts to inflame communal sentiments. It appealed to the Government of Manipur and investigating agencies to ensure that the probe is conducted solely on the basis of evidence and the rule of law, free from external pressure or intimidation.
The FNCC said lasting peace could only be achieved through truth, justice and accountability, and urged all communities to reject violence and misinformation.
