The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) has strongly condemned the murder of two Kuki-Zo individuals, Thangin Baite and Thangboimang Khongsai, allegedly killed by armed militants from the Tangkhul community, specifically members of the NSCN-IM, while they were repairing irrigation systems for their paddy fields. Their bodies were discovered by onlookers after they had been reported missing. The incident also resulted in one individual sustaining a bullet injury, who is currently receiving medical treatment at a local hospital. CoTU’s press release indicates that these armed militants are inciting the Tangkhul villagers to claim land belonging to Kuki-Zo individuals, which aligns with an ethnocentric agenda against the Kuki-Zo community in the Ukhrul district. This tension previously led to the destruction of the Kuki village of Litan Sareikhong a couple of months prior.
Efforts to address the escalating conflicts were made by the newly appointed Deputy Chief Minister, Dr. Dikho, alongside civil society organizations (CSOs) from both communities; however, the Tangkhul community’s noncompliance with peace initiatives has hindered resolution. The March 11 incident is viewed by CoTU as part of a series of violent occurrences aimed at displacing the Kuki-Zo communities through intimidation tactics, including unprovoked attacks in agricultural areas.
CoTU criticized the effectiveness of the government in Manipur, questioning its commitment to resolving inter-community misunderstandings and protecting its citizens from groups like the Zaliengrong United Front Kamson and the NSCN-IM, who operate with apparent impunity. In response to the murders, CoTU has demanded that authorities apprehend the perpetrators within 48 hours, warning that if action is not taken, village volunteers may resort to defensive measures to protect their land and people, absolving the committee and civil organizations from responsibility for any resulting actions.
