IMPHAL: In a fresh wave of violence in Manipur, two individuals from the Kuki-Zo tribe were killed on Monday.
The incident occurred at approximately 10 am on Monday in Kangpokpi district, where the Kuki-Zo villagers, identified as Henminlen Vaiphei and Thangminlun Hangsing, were fatally shot.
Reports indicate that Meitei insurgents are allegedly responsible for this brutal attack, which took place in close proximity to Konsakhul, Leilon, Haraothel, Koutruk, and Kharam.
The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) has strongly condemned what it describes as an “unprovoked attack by war-mongering Meitei insurgents”.
“The Committee on Tribal Unity strongly condemns the unprovoked attack at Haraothel and Kobsha village, Kangpokpi district, by the war mongering Meitei insurgents,” the tribal body stated.
Following the incident, an emergency meeting was convened at Kanggui by CoTU declared an immediate shutdown in Kangpokpi district.
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“The Committee unanimously declares an emergency shutdown in Kangpokpi district to convey the union government that we are no longer safe under the partisan (Manipur) government,” a statement issued by the body read.
Expressing frustration, CoTU emphasised that if the repeated appeals of the Kuki-Zo community had been heeded by the Union Home Ministry, several unfortunate incidents could have been avoided.
The civil body from Kangpokpi district insisted that the Union Home Ministry must acknowledge the continuous attacks and consider political separation as the only viable option.
During the emergency meeting, CoTU called for the expeditious realization of the demand for “separation from Manipur”.
Notably, the shutdown will exempt press, emergency services, and CoTU units from its impact.
Earlier on November 17, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) had said it has asked Manipur government to pay Rs 10 lakh compensation each within four weeks to the next of kin of all the people who died in ethnic clashes since May.
After completing its two-day camp here to hear cases from the Northeastern states, NHRC also ordered the Manipur government to complete the assessment of damaged houses and pay Rs 10 lakh compensation to each of the victims within six weeks.
