‘Kukiland’ defiles Senapati, machinery at Zaimeng Lake destroyed

Our Correspondent
SENAPATI, Mar 23 : Amid escalating tension in Ukhrul, well armed Kuki militants entered the jurisdiction of Thonglang Liangmai village in Senapati district and ransacked properties belonging to labourers including several machinery used in development of Zaimeng lake on March 21. The group of Kuki militants was well armed with sophisticated weapons and in full combat gears. They targeted labourers engaged in developmental activities related to the preservation of the Zaimeng Lake, said villagers.
The militants set several machinery and materials belonging to labourers on fire. The items destroyed included generators, chain saws, electrical welding machines, timber planks, one barrel of diesel, one barrel of petrol, temporary shelters, clothing and utensils, said the villagers.
While intimidating the workers at the site, the militants inscribed “Kukiland” on a structure using paint.
The act was highly provocative and the intention was to incite tension, disturb peace and assert unlawful territorial claims, said the Liangmai community of Thonglang. "It was a deliberate attempt to disrupt developmental work, destroy livelihoods, and create fear and instability in the region," added the villagers, strongly condemning the "intrusion."