Manipur: CoTU condemns attack on Lhungjang village, seeks action against armed groups

The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), Sadar Hills, has condemned the reported attack on Lhungjang village in Kangpokpi district and called on the Centre and the Manipur government to take steps to prevent further escalation of tensions in the region.

In a statement issued on September 7, CoTU alleged that the village was attacked by armed cadres of banned outfits. 

The organisation claimed the attack was aimed at provoking a retaliatory response from the Kuki-Zo community and increasing pressure on the state government.

The allegations could not be independently verified.

CoTU also raised concerns over what it described as political differences within the Naga community and among valley-based political groups, alleging that these could contribute to prolonging tensions between the hills and the valley.

The organisation questioned what it termed “selective justice” in the wake of the ethnic conflict that began in Manipur in May 2023, pointing to the loss of lives, destruction of property and displacement of communities during the violence.

It also criticised the role of two MLAs, Losii Dikho and Awangbow Newmai, alleging that they had failed to adequately respond to attacks and violence attributed by the organisation to armed groups.

CoTU urged the two legislators and other elected representatives to take positions that promote peace and protect civilians irrespective of their community affiliation.

The organisation appealed to the Centre and the state government to take action against armed groups which it alleged were contributing to instability in the hill areas.

CoTU also called for appropriate action against elected representatives if they were found to have misused their political positions or contributed to tensions.

The statement came amid continuing efforts by the Manipur government and various civil society organisations to reduce tensions and restore normalcy in the violence-affected state.