Naga bodies bare fangs against assault of SDSA leaders by Kukis

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Dec 23 : In a brazen case of high handedness and brutality, Kuki volunteers assaulted three top leaders of Senapati District Students' Association (SDSA) at Gamgiphai, Kangpokpi last night at around 9, breaching the peace agreement signed between Naga and Kuki organisations.
The assault took place just a little over a month after the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) and Naga People’s Organization (NPO), Senapati reached an agreement to ensure the safety and security of Naga people while traversing in Kuki dominated areas on November 21, 2024.
It is also to be noted that Gamgiphai, the infamous place in Kangpokpi is where Kuki miscreants collect unauthorised taxes round the clock.
Many Naga organisations viz SDSA, NPO; Senapati Action Committee (SAC); Senapati  District Women's Association (SDWA)' Naga Students Union Chandel (NSUC); Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS); Maram Students' Union (MSU) and Rongmei Naga Students' Organisation Manipur (RNSOM) have come out strongly against the 'brutal assault' on Naga leaders with some calling it downright unacceptable.
While SAC contended that it was the president, vice president and general secretary of SDSA who were assaulted by Kukis, NPO said that the Kuki volunteers also vandalised the vehicle bearing the nameplate of SDSA.
CoTU responsible, says SDSA
SDSA, in a statement, said that  CoTU is solely responsible for the regrettable incident and the unfortunate consequences that may follow.
SDSA said that they constituted SAC to deliver justice to  the executives who were physically assaulted by Kuki volunteers.
The concerted attack on Naga leaders by Kuki leaders goes against the memorandum of understanding signed between NPO and CoTU on November 21, 2024, it added.
SAC demands action
SAC has directed all Kuki people to avoid travelling  and residing within the vicinity of Naga inhabited areas of Senapati with immediate effect.
Saying that they are unhappy over the  continuous assaults and mental harassment of its people, SAC urged the authorities concerned to produce the culprits involved in assaulting SDSA executives immediately.
The Committee shall not be held accountable for any untoward incident if the demand is not heeded, warned SAC.
Intolerable, asserts NPO
NPO asserted that the assault on SDSA executives by Kuki volunteers is both intolerable and unjustifiable.
The Organisation also said that the Kuki miscreants also vandalised the vehicle bearing the nameplate and emblem of SDSA apart from assaulting the executives.
"Such actions demonstrate a blatant disregard for law and order and mutual respect," NPO said and added that the attack was not just an affront to SDSA but also an insult to the principles of mutual understanding and cooperation.
"We find it deeply troubling that this incident occurred despite the repeated MoUs signed between NPO and CoTU," it added.
Saying that the agreements were signed to ensure peaceful coexistence, NPO added that the latest attack at Gamgiphai raises serious questions about the commitment of certain Kuki groups  to honour the spirit of agreements.
NPO remains steadfast to fostering harmony and unity among all communities in Senapati, it said and added that they, however, will not tolerate actions that undermine peace, dignity and mutual respect.
NPO appealed to all stakeholders concerned to reaffirm their commitment to coexistence and prevent such incidents in future.
Deplorable : SDWA
The Senapati District Women Association  (SDWA) said that the indefensible act of violence against student leaders of Senapati is utterly deplorable and violates the principles of respect, dignity and peace.
Such acts are not only an affront to the individuals targeted but also to the broader values of justice and civility.
Appealing to the law enforcement agency to conduct a thorough investigation and take action against those responsible, SDWA, additionally, urged community leaders to work towards fostering an atmosphere of mutual respect and to prevent escalation of violence .
SDWA also said that they will not remain silent in the face of unjust actions.
'Disturbing escalation'
NSUC, while condemning the incident, said that the deliberate destruction of the vehicle of SDSA marks a disturbing escalation.
The heinous assault on student leaders is utterly reprehensible, it added.
Appealing to the Kuki community to assume responsibility for their action and  uphold the principles of unity and cooperation, NSUC urged all Nagas to unite with the student leaders in demanding justice.
TKS says provocation from Kukis
TKS, on the other hand, said that they resent the physical assault on SDSA leaders and vandalisation of their vehicle by Kukis last night at Gamgiphai.
Such provocations from members of the Kuki community despite signing numerous verbal and written agreements between Kuki and Naga leaders may jeopardise the fragile relation- ship between the two communities.
TKS said that they will extend all possible assistance to SDSA in pursuit of justice.
MSU seeks justice
MSU said that they are shocked to learn about the assault on SDSA executives by Kuki volunteers at Gamgiphai check post.
Condemning the incidents, the Maram Students' Union said that such acts of violence are unacceptable and go against the values of respect, safety and dialogue that 'our community' upholds.
The Union urged the authorities concerned to ensure the perpetrators are held accountable.
Insanity says RNSOM
RNSOM, while condemning the assault, said that the attack on Naga student leaders by Kuki volunteers was nothing but insanity.
It appealed to the relevant authorities to book the perpetrators as per law of the land.