PRESS RELEASE:
Ref.No.03/KRF(PR)/2016.
Dated, the 5th January 2016.
KRF, Kuki Reformation Forum condemns in the strongest term the recent mindless incursion and unprovoked attack by NSCN (IM) on Molnom Kuki village, Chandel district on the evening of 03/02/16 wherein an innocent civilian was severely injured in the unfortunate incident.
The attack is reminiscent of the more than decade long ethnic cleansing pogrom perpetuated by Th. Muivah and his cohoots upon the innocent Kukis during late 90's in the state of Nagaland and Manipur which eventually culminated into the infamous Naga/NSCN (IM) –Kuki conflict. The conflict had 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. This 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. Mention may be made of the recent forceful conversion of 4 Aimol Villages out to 14 into Naga much against their wishes to remain together with their brethren Kukis. 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.
Frequent incursion into another villages, 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 belligerent and bellicose attitude can and will only lead to further bloodshed and draw unwarranted attention of the world to your self proclaimed noble motto of 'Nagaland for Christ' and would not help the cause and quest for greater Nagalim.
The KRF as a progressive and peace loving intellectual forum for the Kukis would like to gently request the NSCN (IM) and its respectable leadership to kindly refrain from and avoid such incidents in the future for peace and harmony to prevail in the days to come.
Moreover, the KRF urged 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. We would also like to request 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. Likewise, we also want and deserve respect and goodwill in return from our neighbours and govt , nothing more or less.
Issued by:
Information & Publicity Wing, Kuki Reformation Forum (KRF)
