Imphal: The United People’s Front (UPF) and the Kuki National Organisation (KNO)—umbrella bodies of Kuki-Zo insurgent groups in Manipur operating under Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreements with the government—have strongly condemned the alleged atrocities committed against the Rajasthan Wushu team.
In a joint statement, the UPF and KNO said it was “very unfortunate” that the Rajasthan Wushu team was allegedly subjected to extortion at gunpoint, and expressed deep concern over allegations implicating Kuki militants in the incident.
The condemnation follows claims by members of the Rajasthan school sports contingent, who had travelled to Manipur to participate in the 69th National School Games, that they were extorted by armed Kuki groups while en route to the state capital.
In a widely circulated video, the father of one of the players alleged: “While coming from Rajasthan, the team was detained for two hours at gunpoint by Kuki militants, who took money from the team.”
Strongly denouncing the alleged act against citizens from Rajasthan, the UPF and KNO said such incidents were unacceptable anywhere in the country.
The two organisations asserted that Kuki groups under SoO and engaged in political dialogue with the government would, under no circumstances, indulge in such activities against people from other states.
“We would rather extend our warm welcome and thank them for visiting our land,” the statement said, adding that the Kuki people have never engaged in harassing visitors to the region.
The UPF and KNO also expressed sympathy with the Rajasthan Wushu team for the inhumane treatment allegedly meted out to them, reiterated their condemnation of the incident, and wished the team success in their future competitions.