KANGPOKPI, February 6: The Kuki Reformation Forum (KRF), a progressive and peace loving intellectual forum for the Kukis, today vehemently condemned the attack of Molnom Kuki Village in Chandel district by NSCN-IM on the evening of February 3 where an innocent civilian was severely injured.
Terming the incident, “Mindless incursion and unprovoked attack”, the publicity wing of KRF said that the attack is reminiscent of the more than decade long ethnic cleansing pogrom perpetuated by Th. Muivah and his cohorts upon the innocent Kukis during late 90’s in the States of Nagaland and Manipur which eventually culminated into the infamous Naga/NSCN (IM) –Kuki conflict that resulted into insurmountable loss of life and property on both sides.
While the past wound are yet to heal, trying to create and spread fear psychosis among the general Kuki population and instilling an element of doubt and enmity among peacefully co-existing neighbours specially among the splintered Kuki tribes also referred to as Old and New Kukis at this juncture in Chandel district is not in the interest of peace and harmony to prevail among the different tribes residing in this part of the State of Manipur with shared common history, culture and language but overlapping territories, it added.
It also alleged that the shady land grabbing tactics of NSCN (IM) through ethnic cleansing and deplorable methods of coercing a tribe in the Kuki fold to join the Naga groups goes against the very tenet and ethics of Christianity, co-habitation and humanity itself.
“Any tribe no matter how minuscule their populace is should be given due respect and freedom to choose in whichever fold they wish to belong”, asserted KRF while mentioning the recent alleged forceful conversion of 4 Aimol villages out of 14 into Naga much against their wishes to remain together with their brethren Kukis in Chandel district.
It further said that frequent incursion into another village, raid, forcing and coercing a tribe against their genuine wish and desire would further erode the fragile peace and tranquility particularly in this area where different tribes are thriving together for ages since time immemorial.
Such aggressive and belligerent attitude can and will only lead to further bloodshed and draw unwarranted attention of the world to yourself proclaimed noble motto of ’Nagaland for Christ’ and would not help the cause and quest for greater Nagalim, KRF added.
The Kuki Reformation Forum urged the NSCN (IM) and its leadership to refrain from and avoid such incidents in the future for peace and harmony to prevail in the days to come.
In the meantime, the KRF also urged the Central Govt. and state police machinery to provide adequate security arrangement for the minorities as it is a matter of top urgency and priority to prevent the recurrence of such incidents in near future and to avoid another catastrophic civil disturbance in the state.
It further appeal the central govt. to accord equal treatment to all its citizens and respect the age old land rights of the Kukis while making the final deal with the NSCN (IM).
The Kukis have no ill-will or hidden agenda other than high regards and respect for all communities in Manipur, maintained KRF while adding that we also want and deserve respect and goodwill in return from our neighbours and Govt., nothing more or less.