Liangmai bodies strike tough stand against aggressors

Newmai News Network
IMPHAL, Apr 6 : The Liangmai Naga Katimai Ruangdi, Manipur (LNKR) has strongly condemned the "heinous incident" of April 5 which was allegedly carried out by individuals identified as Thangnaimang Veiphei, chief of L Phaijang Kuki village, Thangkhulen Veiphei, chief of Munlai Kuki village, and Houmang Veiphei, chief of Haraothel Kuki village.
Despite the curfew imposed by the District Magistrate of Kangpokpi, these individuals led a sudden and brutal assault on the peaceful residents of Konsakhul/Konsaram Naga village, said the LNKR. At the time, the villagers were lawfully engaged in levelling their plots and constructing homes. This violent and unlawful action constitutes a gross violation of human rights and a blatant disregard for the rule of law, it added.
The LNKR demanded immediate action from the authorities concerned to bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure the safety and security of the Konsakhul Naga community. Such acts of aggression should not go unpunished in a democratic society, it added.
The LNKR said, "In a deeply distressing and unforgettable turn of events, Aimson Abonmai, chief of Konsakhul Naga village, and Adam Dirinamai, chairman of Konsakhul Naga village, along with three other individuals— Ch. Paramchandin,  Ab Widinbou, and  Th Aloipu—were assaulted".
In addition, the assailants destroyed two houses and set ablaze a scooter belonging to the village chief, causing significant property loss and escalating fear among innocent residents, the LNKR further said.
The attackers not only committed acts of abduction and arson but also looted valuable personal belongings, including 10 machetes and 5 smartphones. These acts have intensified the trauma suffered by the peaceful villagers, the LNKR alleged.
"Of serious concern is the reported presence of Assistant Sub-Inspector Kamgin Veiphei of Leimakhong police station, who was allegedly seen accompanying and providing tacit support to the assailants during the incident", the LNKR further alleged. His inaction and apparent complicity represent a grave dereliction of duty and a betrayal of public trust, the student body added.
The LNKR also said such "heinous acts of assault, abduction, arson, and theft in Konsakhul Naga village are not isolated but have been increasing at an alarming rate. The student body added that the continued silence and restraint shown by the Naga community must not be mistaken for weakness. "It is disturbing that certain groups—particularly Kuki settlers, whose presence in Konsakhul is due to the goodwill and hospitality of the Nagas—now act in ways that disregard the rights of the indigenous landowners and threaten communal harmony".
The LNKR said if these individuals are unwilling to respect the landowners and the established social fabric, it is high time they reconsider their place in the region and return to their place of origin. The LNKR then urged all civil society organisations, right-thinking citizens, and concerned stakeholders to condemn these atrocious and barbaric acts in the strongest possible terms.
The LNKR called upon the authorities to uphold justice. "The rights, dignity, and safety of the Konsakhul Naga people must be protected at all costs", it asserted.
Three Liangmai organisations-Liangmai Naga Council, Eastern Zone (LNC-EZ), Eastern Liangmai Chief Chairman Association (ELCCA) and Liangmai Naga Katimai Ruangdi, Eastern Zone (LNKR-EZ)-stated that the "time has come for us to stand together as one, condemn this injustice, and show our unwavering solidarity".
The three Liangmai bodies said "indigenous Konsakhul Naga village faced an unprovoked and brutal attack by armed militants allegedly mobilized more than 1000 assailants by the chiefs of L. Phaijang, L. Munlai, and Haraothel, Kangpokpi district, Manipur". Amidst the ongoing Kuki-Meitei conflict, this "act of aggression" aims  to draw indigenous Naga communities into further turmoil" it also said.
According to these Liangmai bodies, heavily armed militants, disguised as civilians, launched a premeditated attack on Konsakhul village, targeting villagers engaged in their daily activities. The assault resulted in severe injuries and widespread destruction. Interestingly, Governor of Manipur, AK Bhala was attending an event at National Sports University (NSU) on the day.
The assault, "seemingly an assassination attempt on village leaders", left several critically wounded, including Aimson Abonmai, Chief of Konsakhul and Adam Dirinamai, Village Chairman is undergoing treatment at RIMS, Imphal and Wilingson Abonmai, Pastor, Konsaram Baptist Church were also brutally assaulted and Ch. Paramchamdin,  AB Widinbou, Th Aloipu were physically attacked all together around ten other villagers suffered grievous injuries, they added.