FNCC issues warning
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IMPHAL, Mar 23: The Foothills Naga Co-Ordination Committee (FNCC) has issued a stern warning after Kuki militants based at Kharam Vaiphei allegedly opened fire at Ereng villagers engaged in farming activities at this afternoon.
The militants fired multiple rounds of bullets at three instances today, creating fear and panic among innocent civilians, said the FNCC.
"Despite our sincere efforts to maintain peace and foster harmonious coexistence, including our decision to lift the bandh as a goodwill gesture while coordinating with the State Government, no meaningful action has been taken to ensure safety on the ground. Instead, the Kuki SoO militants continue to launch attacks against the Ereng Naga villagers, undermining the spirit of peace and stability," said the FNCC.
It said it will hold the Government accountable for any untoward incidents arising from the situation.
"Allowing armed groups to move freely with automatic weapons and threaten the lives and livelihoods of indigenous people of Manipur is unacceptable. The responsibility to protect civilians' rests solely with the authorities, and failure to do so will have serious consequences," it said.
The FNCC recalled that a few weeks ago, the same group of militants had allegedly destroyed a waiting shed belonging to the villagers and inscribed the words "Kukiland, stay away," an act clearly intended to intimidate and provoke. The recent firing incidents appear to be a continuation of this pattern of aggression.
If such acts of provocation and violence continue, the Foothills Naga Co-Ordination Committee will be "compelled to take appropriate measures to safeguard our people and protect our ancestral land."
"We reiterate that our preference remains peaceful coexistence, but the safety, dignity, and rights of our communities cannot be compromised." It urged the Government to take immediate and decisive action to prevent further escalation, ensure accountability, and restore confidence among the affected villagers.
The militants fired multiple rounds of bullets at three instances today, creating fear and panic among innocent civilians, said the FNCC.
"Despite our sincere efforts to maintain peace and foster harmonious coexistence, including our decision to lift the bandh as a goodwill gesture while coordinating with the State Government, no meaningful action has been taken to ensure safety on the ground. Instead, the Kuki SoO militants continue to launch attacks against the Ereng Naga villagers, undermining the spirit of peace and stability," said the FNCC.
It said it will hold the Government accountable for any untoward incidents arising from the situation.
"Allowing armed groups to move freely with automatic weapons and threaten the lives and livelihoods of indigenous people of Manipur is unacceptable. The responsibility to protect civilians' rests solely with the authorities, and failure to do so will have serious consequences," it said.
The FNCC recalled that a few weeks ago, the same group of militants had allegedly destroyed a waiting shed belonging to the villagers and inscribed the words "Kukiland, stay away," an act clearly intended to intimidate and provoke. The recent firing incidents appear to be a continuation of this pattern of aggression.
If such acts of provocation and violence continue, the Foothills Naga Co-Ordination Committee will be "compelled to take appropriate measures to safeguard our people and protect our ancestral land."
"We reiterate that our preference remains peaceful coexistence, but the safety, dignity, and rights of our communities cannot be compromised." It urged the Government to take immediate and decisive action to prevent further escalation, ensure accountability, and restore confidence among the affected villagers.