KIM demands NSCN(IM) clarification on KLA killings
The Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL, Sept 5: The Kuki Inpi Manipur, expressing its shock and condemnation over the unprovoked killing of 10 KLA cadres by the NSCN(IM) at Tangkhul Hundung Khunou village, has demanded an urgent clarification from the NSCN(IM) leadership before the situation deteriorates.
A statement issued by the KIM said an emergency meeting has been held to take stock of the situation arising out of the unprovoked killings which could further lead to unwanted consequences in the already fragile relationship between the Kuki and Naga communities.
It expressed shock over the bloodbath in which the NSCN(IM) had slain the KLA cadres without provocation after staying two days with them at the NSCN(IM)`s own invitation at Hundung Khunou village.
The meet strongly condemned the unprovoked killing, and demanded a clarification from the NSCN(IM) as why it had resorted to the cold-blooded slaughter at a time when mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence is the need of the hour.
It should be known that such kind of unprovoked and pre-meditated murder could trigger another communal flare-up, the statement said.
The act is considered very much detrimental for both Nagas and Kukis which could result in mutual distrust and disharmony, it said.
The KIM also wanted the GoI-NSCN ceasefire monitoring cell to look into the case whether it goes against and negates the terms and conditions of the ceasefire or whether it is beyond the purview of the ceasefire.
It further urged the NSCN to clarify and clean up their act at the earliest possible in the interest of peace and harmony.
The KIM has also appealed to all UG groups to refrain from any retaliatory action which could escalate the situation and produce further undesirable consequences.
The Kuki Students Organisation, general headquarters, Kuki Inpi, Sadar Hills, Kuki Chief`s Association, Sadar Hills, and the Kuki Movement for Human Rights have also issued a joint statement strongly condemning the senseless and cold blooded murder of 10 KLA/KLO cadres by the NSCN(IM), terming it as a renewal of the ethnic cleansing the NSCN had pursued in past decades.
the statement demanded that the leadership of the NSCN(IM) should clarify to the general public the reasons behind the barbaric act of executing the KLA/KLO cadres after inviting them to the village.
It has also demanded a clear cut clarification from the chairman of the monitoring cell of the government of India whether there is room for such inhuman activities in the ground rule of the cease fire while talks are going on between the government of India and the NSCN(IM).
The statement also reminded the leadership of the Tangkhul Naga civil society, and the NSCN(IM) to cautiously handle the fragile relationship with the Kuki people.
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Hmar students rule out Hmar villages under Jiribam district
Robert Lalmalsawm Sungte
Churachandpur, Sep 5: The Hmar Students Association, HSA, has called upon Manipur chief minister O Ibobi Singh for an `informed decision` on the proposed Jiribam district. A memorandum in this regard was submitted to Singh for his `immediate` consideration on the stand taken by the students on August 30.
Expressing apprehensions at the creation of the new Jiribam district, which will be dominated by a majority community, in south western Manipur they said, "The creation of a full fledged Jiribam district will cause loss of a huge number of tribal indigenous villages and land."
"No Hmar villages in the SDC Jiribam and Churachandpur district will be allowed to merge into Jiribam district without the prior consent of the Hmar people," it added.
Sending strong warning to the state government the memorandum said, "Any challenges and threats to the people, identity, land and future shall be met with appropriate action and force."
The students body asked the government to take the "free consent" of all the Hmar villages which fall under the proposed new district before they are brought under it adding that "any consent must be free from external manipulation, interference and coercion."
The students body also pledged to protect the Hmar tribal "identity" stating that even "an inch of our land shall not be surrendered" as "we (HSA) have taken over the role of a custodian of the future security of our tribe."
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India seeks clash report between KLA & NSCN
Tuithraphai, Sep 6 : The Union home ministry has asked the Manipur government to submit a detailed report on the clash between the NSCN (I-M) and Kuki Liberation Army (KLA) in Ukhrul district on Monday.
The NSCN (I-M) men gunned down 10 militants of the KLA in an encounter at Tangkhul Hundung, nearly 70km south of Litan police station in Ukhrul, home of NSCN (I-M) leader Thuingaleng Muivah, on Monday. The NSCN (I-M) men also took away the weapons from the slain KLA militants.
The district police have registered a case and said they were trying to identify the NSCN (I-M) men involved in the killings.
The KLA has asked the Naga outfit to return the snatched weapons and pay fines according to tribal laws.
The attack on the KLA has angered the Kuki community. The Kuki Inpi, Sadar Hills, Kuki Chiefs’ Association, Kuki Movement for Human Rights and Kuki Students Organisation strongly condemned the attack.
“The Centre has taken a very serious view of the incident and wants a detailed report from the state government. A report would be sent in the next few days,” an official source said today.
The director general of police, Y. Joykumar Singh, reviewed the situation yesterday and asked the district police to submit a report on the incident for forwarding it to the Centre.
The latter is reportedly worried that the incident could trigger a rerun of the nineties’ communal clash between the Nagas and the Kukis.
Turf war between the two militant outfits had led to a communal clash in the nineties, resulting in the death of hundreds of people. The Union home ministry has also directed the state government to take all possible measures to prevent a rerun of the communal clash.
An official source, however, said chances of a communal backlash in the wake of the Monday’s killings were remote. However, measures have been taken to prevent any eventuality, he said.
While the NSCN (I-M) is holding talks with the Centre for the past 10 days, the KLA is one of the 10 militants outfits set to sign a truce. The KLA had entered into a suspension of operations agreement with the security forces in August 2005.
The Okram Ibobi Singh government is about to join the suspension of operation agreement between the security forces and the tribal militant outfits, mostly belonging to the Kuki communities.
The militant groups are Zomi Revolutionary Army, Hmar Peoples Convention (Democratic), Kuki National Army, Kuki Revolutionary Army, Kuki Liberation Army, Kuki National Front (Samuel), Kuki National Front (Military Council), Kuki National Front (Zougam), Kuki National Front (President) and United Kuki Liberation Front.
Telegraph
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Christian Family Forced to Leave Village in Manipur
By Madhu Chandra
A Rongmei Christian family was forced to leave Chingmeirong Rongmei Village in Imphal, the capitol city of Manipur state. Their refusal to leave the village caused tension among the community.
Sources told the All India Christian Council that Mr. Kaphun Malangmei formerly was a follower of the Tingkao Ragwang Chaprik sect of the Rongmei indigenous religion. He adopted Christianity along with his family members a few months ago.
According to Makulin Remei, spokesperson of Chingmeirong Rongmei Pei Authority, Mr. Kaphun’s decision to adopt Christianity and remain in the village was a violation of the village’s norms.
This violates the constitutional guarantee of freedom to adopt, practice and propagate religion. A local rule that requires Christians to vacate from Rongmei Villages cannot be above the fundamental rights provided in Indian Constitution.
Rongmei Christian minorities in Rongmei villages and Meitei Christians in Manipur valley have faced discrimination in the state from religious fanatics.
Dr. Sam Paul, aicc National Secretary of Public Affairs, appealed to Shri O. Ibobi Singh, Chief Minister of Manipur, in a press conference held at Imphal on March 17, 2005. Shri. O. Ibobi promised safety and protection of Christian minorities on the State Assembly floor on March 18, 2005. “In spite of assurances by state leaders, Christian minorities have been constantly threatened by fanatic groups in the state,” said Dr. Paul.
Nagaland State Bharatiya Janata Party President, Mr. Ato Yepthomi told Christian Council that his party will appeal to Manipur Government to ensure the safety and protection of Rongmei and Meitei Christians.
Manipur has a Christian population of 35% yet the Meitei and Rongmei Christians suffer persecution from fanatic groups belonging to their own communities. In 2005, a three month old dead body was removed from the Christian graveyard in Imphal West and church bodies at Phaknung, Lamding, Yumnam Khunou were burnt down by the villagers. Police forces had to wait for pressure from higher authorities and human rights agencies to fulfill their duties to protect the minority in the state.
Speaking about the historical church building at Kangla at Imphal city, Shri Rishang Keishing - former Chief Minister of the state and Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) presently told to Christian Council that Manipur Government must preserve the church building at Kangla, which lays vacant after Assam Rifles vacated the place. Mr. Keishing said that it symbolizes the unity in diversity of the state.
The Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL, Sept 5: The Kuki Inpi Manipur, expressing its shock and condemnation over the unprovoked killing of 10 KLA cadres by the NSCN(IM) at Tangkhul Hundung Khunou village, has demanded an urgent clarification from the NSCN(IM) leadership before the situation deteriorates.
A statement issued by the KIM said an emergency meeting has been held to take stock of the situation arising out of the unprovoked killings which could further lead to unwanted consequences in the already fragile relationship between the Kuki and Naga communities.
It expressed shock over the bloodbath in which the NSCN(IM) had slain the KLA cadres without provocation after staying two days with them at the NSCN(IM)`s own invitation at Hundung Khunou village.
The meet strongly condemned the unprovoked killing, and demanded a clarification from the NSCN(IM) as why it had resorted to the cold-blooded slaughter at a time when mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence is the need of the hour.
It should be known that such kind of unprovoked and pre-meditated murder could trigger another communal flare-up, the statement said.
The act is considered very much detrimental for both Nagas and Kukis which could result in mutual distrust and disharmony, it said.
The KIM also wanted the GoI-NSCN ceasefire monitoring cell to look into the case whether it goes against and negates the terms and conditions of the ceasefire or whether it is beyond the purview of the ceasefire.
It further urged the NSCN to clarify and clean up their act at the earliest possible in the interest of peace and harmony.
The KIM has also appealed to all UG groups to refrain from any retaliatory action which could escalate the situation and produce further undesirable consequences.
The Kuki Students Organisation, general headquarters, Kuki Inpi, Sadar Hills, Kuki Chief`s Association, Sadar Hills, and the Kuki Movement for Human Rights have also issued a joint statement strongly condemning the senseless and cold blooded murder of 10 KLA/KLO cadres by the NSCN(IM), terming it as a renewal of the ethnic cleansing the NSCN had pursued in past decades.
the statement demanded that the leadership of the NSCN(IM) should clarify to the general public the reasons behind the barbaric act of executing the KLA/KLO cadres after inviting them to the village.
It has also demanded a clear cut clarification from the chairman of the monitoring cell of the government of India whether there is room for such inhuman activities in the ground rule of the cease fire while talks are going on between the government of India and the NSCN(IM).
The statement also reminded the leadership of the Tangkhul Naga civil society, and the NSCN(IM) to cautiously handle the fragile relationship with the Kuki people.
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Hmar students rule out Hmar villages under Jiribam district
Robert Lalmalsawm Sungte
Churachandpur, Sep 5: The Hmar Students Association, HSA, has called upon Manipur chief minister O Ibobi Singh for an `informed decision` on the proposed Jiribam district. A memorandum in this regard was submitted to Singh for his `immediate` consideration on the stand taken by the students on August 30.
Expressing apprehensions at the creation of the new Jiribam district, which will be dominated by a majority community, in south western Manipur they said, "The creation of a full fledged Jiribam district will cause loss of a huge number of tribal indigenous villages and land."
"No Hmar villages in the SDC Jiribam and Churachandpur district will be allowed to merge into Jiribam district without the prior consent of the Hmar people," it added.
Sending strong warning to the state government the memorandum said, "Any challenges and threats to the people, identity, land and future shall be met with appropriate action and force."
The students body asked the government to take the "free consent" of all the Hmar villages which fall under the proposed new district before they are brought under it adding that "any consent must be free from external manipulation, interference and coercion."
The students body also pledged to protect the Hmar tribal "identity" stating that even "an inch of our land shall not be surrendered" as "we (HSA) have taken over the role of a custodian of the future security of our tribe."
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India seeks clash report between KLA & NSCN
Tuithraphai, Sep 6 : The Union home ministry has asked the Manipur government to submit a detailed report on the clash between the NSCN (I-M) and Kuki Liberation Army (KLA) in Ukhrul district on Monday.
The NSCN (I-M) men gunned down 10 militants of the KLA in an encounter at Tangkhul Hundung, nearly 70km south of Litan police station in Ukhrul, home of NSCN (I-M) leader Thuingaleng Muivah, on Monday. The NSCN (I-M) men also took away the weapons from the slain KLA militants.
The district police have registered a case and said they were trying to identify the NSCN (I-M) men involved in the killings.
The KLA has asked the Naga outfit to return the snatched weapons and pay fines according to tribal laws.
The attack on the KLA has angered the Kuki community. The Kuki Inpi, Sadar Hills, Kuki Chiefs’ Association, Kuki Movement for Human Rights and Kuki Students Organisation strongly condemned the attack.
“The Centre has taken a very serious view of the incident and wants a detailed report from the state government. A report would be sent in the next few days,” an official source said today.
The director general of police, Y. Joykumar Singh, reviewed the situation yesterday and asked the district police to submit a report on the incident for forwarding it to the Centre.
The latter is reportedly worried that the incident could trigger a rerun of the nineties’ communal clash between the Nagas and the Kukis.
Turf war between the two militant outfits had led to a communal clash in the nineties, resulting in the death of hundreds of people. The Union home ministry has also directed the state government to take all possible measures to prevent a rerun of the communal clash.
An official source, however, said chances of a communal backlash in the wake of the Monday’s killings were remote. However, measures have been taken to prevent any eventuality, he said.
While the NSCN (I-M) is holding talks with the Centre for the past 10 days, the KLA is one of the 10 militants outfits set to sign a truce. The KLA had entered into a suspension of operations agreement with the security forces in August 2005.
The Okram Ibobi Singh government is about to join the suspension of operation agreement between the security forces and the tribal militant outfits, mostly belonging to the Kuki communities.
The militant groups are Zomi Revolutionary Army, Hmar Peoples Convention (Democratic), Kuki National Army, Kuki Revolutionary Army, Kuki Liberation Army, Kuki National Front (Samuel), Kuki National Front (Military Council), Kuki National Front (Zougam), Kuki National Front (President) and United Kuki Liberation Front.
Telegraph
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Christian Family Forced to Leave Village in Manipur
By Madhu Chandra
A Rongmei Christian family was forced to leave Chingmeirong Rongmei Village in Imphal, the capitol city of Manipur state. Their refusal to leave the village caused tension among the community.
Sources told the All India Christian Council that Mr. Kaphun Malangmei formerly was a follower of the Tingkao Ragwang Chaprik sect of the Rongmei indigenous religion. He adopted Christianity along with his family members a few months ago.
According to Makulin Remei, spokesperson of Chingmeirong Rongmei Pei Authority, Mr. Kaphun’s decision to adopt Christianity and remain in the village was a violation of the village’s norms.
This violates the constitutional guarantee of freedom to adopt, practice and propagate religion. A local rule that requires Christians to vacate from Rongmei Villages cannot be above the fundamental rights provided in Indian Constitution.
Rongmei Christian minorities in Rongmei villages and Meitei Christians in Manipur valley have faced discrimination in the state from religious fanatics.
Dr. Sam Paul, aicc National Secretary of Public Affairs, appealed to Shri O. Ibobi Singh, Chief Minister of Manipur, in a press conference held at Imphal on March 17, 2005. Shri. O. Ibobi promised safety and protection of Christian minorities on the State Assembly floor on March 18, 2005. “In spite of assurances by state leaders, Christian minorities have been constantly threatened by fanatic groups in the state,” said Dr. Paul.
Nagaland State Bharatiya Janata Party President, Mr. Ato Yepthomi told Christian Council that his party will appeal to Manipur Government to ensure the safety and protection of Rongmei and Meitei Christians.
Manipur has a Christian population of 35% yet the Meitei and Rongmei Christians suffer persecution from fanatic groups belonging to their own communities. In 2005, a three month old dead body was removed from the Christian graveyard in Imphal West and church bodies at Phaknung, Lamding, Yumnam Khunou were burnt down by the villagers. Police forces had to wait for pressure from higher authorities and human rights agencies to fulfill their duties to protect the minority in the state.
Speaking about the historical church building at Kangla at Imphal city, Shri Rishang Keishing - former Chief Minister of the state and Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) presently told to Christian Council that Manipur Government must preserve the church building at Kangla, which lays vacant after Assam Rifles vacated the place. Mr. Keishing said that it symbolizes the unity in diversity of the state.
