IT News
Imphal, Aug 27:
Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has strongly condemned the recent attack on the family of BJP spokesperson T. Michael Lamjathang Haokip, denouncing it as an act of cowardice and a direct challenge to the state’s unity and integrity. The incident occurred on the night of August 25, 2024, in Phailien village, Churachandpur district, where Haokip’s residence was vandalized and set on fire by armed miscreants.
The Chief Minister expressed his outrage on the social media platform X, emphasizing that the attack on Haokip, a prominent leader of the Thadou community, was a personal affront to one of Manipur’s recognized tribes. He assured that the state government would initiate appropriate legal action against those responsible for the attack.
The attack, which took place around 11 pm, involved approximately 30 armed assailants, suspected to be supporters of the Kuki supremacy agenda. This marks the second time Haokip’s home has been targeted amidst the ongoing tensions in Manipur. The incident occurred just hours after Haokip participated in a TV panel discussion on ‘Kuki Supremacy and its Agenda,’ where he addressed the persecution of the Thadou community by extremist Kuki supremacists.
In response, the Thadou Community International (TCI) issued a strong condemnation, describing the attack as barbaric and an assault on the entire Thadou community. TCI asserted that the attack was an attempt to intimidate the Thadous into rejecting their identity and succumbing to the Kuki agenda. The organization highlighted ongoing human rights abuses against the Thadou community, including the denial of tribe certificates, restrictions on participating in Thadou activities, and targeted attacks on their leaders.
TCI called for unity within the Thadou community, urging them to seek justice through non-violent means. The organization also appealed to Mizo leaders and organizations to help bring peace and understanding. TCI demanded that government authorities take immediate and stern action against the culprits, with particular focus on the role of the fake Thadou Tribe Council (TTC) and its operatives, who have been linked to the attack and other violent incidents.
