CoTU condemns gunfight

Our Correspondent
KANGPOKPI, Jan 8: The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) and other Kuki-Zo bodies have condemned the  gun fight at Kharam Vaiphei this morning.
According to a press communiqué issued by CoTU, the attack occurred around 7 am when a group of armed miscreants from nearby areas targeted the village, triggering panic and fear among residents.
Although no loss of life has been reported so far, several houses were damaged, and villagers narrowly escaped what could have turned into a major tragedy.
The so-called misnomer gangsters belonging to the ZUF (Zeliangrong United Front), Kamson faction, have been operating with impunity, and are aided by “gun-throat, hate-spewing mouthpieces” hostile to the Kuki-Zo community.
CoTU also expressed grave concern over reports of the kidnapping of an elderly civilian, allegedly followed by a staged interrogation under the pretext of combating drug menace, terming it a dangerous misuse of vigilante power.
While acknowledging efforts to restore the rule of law in Manipur, the committee strongly criticized the inaction of the Government, stating that even under President’s Rule, Constitutional authority has failed to curb the rise of self-styled armed groups masquerading as law enforcers.
Calling the situation “deeply alarming,” CoTU appealed to the authorities concerned to immediately identify, track down, and apprehend the perpetrators, dismantle their hideouts in peripheral Kuki-Zo areas of Kangpokpi, and take decisive action before any pre-emptive responses ensued.
The committee warned that continued negligence could have serious consequences for peace and stability in the already conflict-hit region.
Meanwhile, the Kuki Inpi South-West Sadar Hills and the Kharam Vaiphei Village Authority have also strongly condemned the attack that rocked Kharam Vaiphei village early Thursday morning.