The Joint Tribes Council, Manipur, representing the Zeme, Liangmai, Rongmei and Inpui Naga communities, has called upon the central and state governments to take immediate and stern action against Kuki militants following alleged threats issued to Naga villagers in Kangpokpi district.
In a memorandum submitted to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs through the Governor of Manipur, the council stated that a leader of the Kuki National Front, identified as Tiger Kipgen, also known as Thangboi or Haogenthang Kipgen, issued life threatening warnings on January twelve. According to the memorandum, the militant leader allegedly warned that Naga residents of Ireng, also known as Puilong village, could be fired upon and their village set ablaze.
The Joint Tribes Council stated that it would not allow any Suspension of Operations arrangement or the presence of illegal militant camps in the Naga foothills. It further asserted that unauthorised roads, constructions and poppy plantations on ancestral Naga land would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
The council alleged that the situation took a serious turn when a group of armed Kuki militants was reportedly seen moving towards Ireng Naga village in the afternoon, allegedly with the intention of intimidating civilians. The Kuki National Front is a signatory to the Suspension of Operations agreement with the governments.
An information report was registered against Tiger Kipgen and cadres of the Kuki National Front on January fourteen. The Liangmai Naga Council also submitted petitions to several authorities, including the Union Home Minister, the Governor of Manipur, the Director General of Police, the National Investigation Agency, the Inspector General of Assam Rifles South, the Security Advisor to the Government of Manipur and officials of Kangpokpi district. However, the Joint Tribes Council alleged that despite these representations, no concrete action has been initiated so far.
The council urged both the central and state governments to ensure prompt and effective action against the Kuki National Front in order to guarantee the safety and security of civilians in the area.
Reiterating that the Naga people remain committed to peace, the rule of law and the protection of indigenous ancestral lands and lives, the Joint Tribes Council cautioned that continued silence and inaction by the authorities could lead to unavoidable developments, for which the council said it could not be held responsible.