Manipur's Divided Communities Unite in Outrage: Meitei and Kuki-Zo Bodies Condemn Assam Rifles Attack

In a rare and significant display of unity amidst the ongoing ethnic strife, leading Meitei and Kuki-Zo civil society organizations in Manipur have unequivocally condemned the recent ambush on Assam Rifles personnel. This joint condemnation, coming from groups often at loggerheads, underscores a shared desire for peace and stability in the beleaguered state and sends a powerful message against escalating violence.

The incident in question occurred on September 21st, when an Assam Rifles party was ambushed in the Tujang Waichong area of Kangpokpi district.

The attack resulted in one soldier sustaining injuries and the perpetrators making off with service weapons, adding another layer of complexity to Manipur's already volatile security situation.

The Co-ordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), a prominent Meitei civil society organization, issued a strong statement denouncing the ambush.

COCOMI emphasized that such acts of violence are detrimental to peace-building efforts and only exacerbate the existing tensions. They called upon all stakeholders to refrain from actions that could further destabilize the state and urged for strict adherence to law and order, while also expressing solidarity with the security forces operating in the region.

Mirroring this sentiment, the Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF) and the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), key Kuki-Zo bodies, also released condemnatory statements.

They unequivocally denounced the attack, asserting that violence in any form is unacceptable and hinders any prospects of dialogue and reconciliation. Both organizations appealed to all armed groups to cease hostilities and prioritize the lives and well-being of the common people, who have borne the brunt of the protracted conflict.

They highlighted the importance of respecting the work of security forces who are tasked with maintaining peace.

Leaders from both communities stressed that while their ethnic grievances and demands remain, resorting to violence against security forces or any group is counterproductive and undermines the collective efforts towards finding a lasting solution.

They reiterated their commitment to peaceful means of conflict resolution and urged for an environment conducive to dialogue.

The joint condemnation from these powerful civil society groups sends a glimmer of hope, indicating a potential common ground among the diverse communities in Manipur for de-escalation and a return to normalcy.

It is a poignant reminder that despite deep-seated divisions, there is a pervasive longing for an end to the bloodshed and the restoration of harmony across the state.