Tragic Attack in Manipur Claims Lives of Two Kuki Women

In a tragic incident in Manipur’s Tamenglong district, two women from the Kuki-Zo community were reportedly killed in a suspected militant attack on Tuesday afternoon. The victims, identified as 70-year-old Chonga Sitlhou and 28-year-old Kimneo Singson, were targeted in Leisangphai village at approximately 3 PM. Reports indicate that Sitlhou was in the midst of collecting firewood when the attack occurred, and Singson was shot down in the same vicinity.

The recent violence adds to the mounting tensions in the region, as just two days prior, four members of the Kuki community were killed in two separate incidents in the same district. This escalation of violence reflects an ongoing conflict that has deep-seated roots in the socio-political landscape of Manipur, particularly between the Kuki and Naga communities.

The Kuki-Zo Council has condemned the attack, urging both the Union and Manipur governments to take decisive actions to put an end to the impunity that they believe allows such violence to occur. They have pointed fingers at the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah) and the Zeliangrong United Front (Kamson), accusing these groups of being behind the assault. In a statement, the council expressed that the ongoing targeting of civilians raises grave concerns about efforts to intimidate and uproot the Kuki-Zo communities from their ancestral lands.

In a show of solidarity and protest, the Kuki-Zo Council has instructed all civil society organizations within the community to refrain from burying any Kuki-Zo individual who has fallen victim to attacks by Naga armed groups. The council emphasized that the remains of such victims should be preserved in cold storage until further guidance is provided.

The conflict in Manipur, particularly between the Kuki and Naga communities, has intensified over the past year, particularly following a series of violent incidents that began in February. The backdrop of these tensions is a complex history of ethnic rivalry, political claims, and struggles for land and resources. As the situation continues to develop, there are growing calls for intervention and dialogue to address the underlying issues fueling this cycle of violence.

Source: scroll.in