Many condemn assault of Liangmai woman by Kukis CCpur-Kpi road blocked

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jan 8 : An indefinite bandh has been imposed at Makhan Gate which is the primary road connecting Churachandpur and Kangpokpi in response to the physical assault of a Liangmai Naga woman by Kuki miscreants yesterday.
The incident occurred at K Lungwiram village under Kangchup Geljang Sub-Division in Kangpokpi district.
The collective decision to initiate the indefinite bandh was taken today during an emergency meeting of Liangmai Naga women from the Koubru range area.
Additionally, the Konsakhul (Konsaram) Village Authority has issued a memorandum demanding the Leilon Vaiphei village to vacate the land of Konsaram within 15 days as the lease agreement signed between the landlord (Konsaram) and the tenant (Leilon) has already expired.
The memorandum issued by the secretary, chairman and chief of Konsakhul Village Authority has warned that failure to comply will result in forceful eviction.
It claimed that the assault and outraging the modesty of a woman from Konsakhul village in broad daylight yesterday was carried out at the behest of individuals from Leilon Vaiphei village.
The statement accused the villagers of violating the age-old principle of peaceful coexistence and ignoring that they were  allowed to settle as tenants on the land of Konsaram on humanitarian grounds.
It further accused them of "indulging in anti-social activities" and "targeting innocent Naga villagers in Konsaram area showing scant regard to our generosity and kindness".
Meanwhile, condemning the incident, the Liangmai Naga Council, Eastern Zone, Manipur and Liangmai Koubru Range Chief & Chairman Association have demanded the leadership of the responsible Kuki groups to issue a formal apology in writing to the victim and the Naga people within 24 hours.
The LNC (EZ) and Liangmai Koubru Range Chief & Chairman Association also demanded the authorities concerned to apprehend and hold the perpetrators accountable  immediately.
The two Liangmai Naga bodies have asserted that the land upon which the incident took place rightfully belongs to Konsakhul Lungwiram village.
Calling the incident a serious breach of the right to ownership of land belonging to a Liangmai Naga village, they maintained that it is also a violation of human rights, especially of women's rights.
LNC (EZ) has stated that it will take appropriate measures to protect and safeguard the interests of Naga people if they do not receive any positive response to their demands.
The Makhan Kangla-tongbi Naga Forum has also strongly condemned the assault of a Liangmai by the Kukis on January 7.
Demanding that the perpetrators of the heinous act should be apprehended, the Forum demanded a formal, written apology to the victim and the Naga people within 48 hours. The Forum added that in the event of failing to meet the demands the Kuki groups behind the assault should be held accountable for any untoward incidents.