Imphal: The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), Sadar Hills Kangpokpi, has held the Manipur government and a section of ‘Kacha Naga’ individuals responsible for the recent violence and rising tensions in the Kanto Sabal and Leimakhong areas along the Imphal West-Kangpokpi district border.
In a statement issued on July 11, CoTU alleged that the unrest stemmed from a prolonged blockade of essential supplies to Kuki-Zo inhabited areas. The committee claimed that prolonged inaction by the authorities forced local residents to remove a blockade checkpoint, leading to clashes with those enforcing the blockade. Several people were reportedly injured in the confrontation.
CoTU further alleged that amid the clashes between the two tribal communities, a section of Kacha Naga individuals set fire to abandoned Meitei houses in Leimakhong on Saturday afternoon. It described the incident as a deliberate attempt to escalate communal tensions and incite public anger against the Kuki-Zo community.
The committee also criticised the United Naga Council (UNC), the Naga Women’s Union (NWU), and other Naga organisations for enforcing an indefinite economic blockade in Kuki-dominated areas. The blockade was launched following the alleged killing of six Naga civilians by Kuki militants. The protesting organisations have demanded the arrest of the Leilon Vaiphei village chief, members of the village women’s society, and others accused of handing over the abducted victims.
Dismissing the allegations against the Kuki-Zo community, CoTU accused the state government of adopting what it called an “indifferent approach” to crimes committed against Kuki-Zo people. It urged the government to end what it described as a policy of appeasement towards certain groups and ensure effective action against armed elements operating with impunity. The committee warned that failure to address these concerns and restore security could further worsen the already fragile law and order situation in Manipur.