Manipur Naga groups seek PM’s intervention over Kuki violence

Three major Naga civil organisations in Manipur have reportedly appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking his urgent intervention over alleged violence and territorial aggression by armed Kuki groups in the hill district of the state.

As per reports, the United Naga Council, Naga Women’s Union, and All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur, submitted a memorandum alleging that Myanmar-based extremists of the Kuki National Army-Burma, with support from groups operating under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement, were behind repeated attacks on Naga villages in districts such as Ukhrul and Kamjong.

The memorandum was reportedly signed by Ng Lorho, Ch Priscilla Thumai, and Th Angtheshang Maring, presidents of the three organisations.

The groups claimed that attacks on May 7 in Z. Choro, Namlee-Wanglee, and Kaka villages led to houses being burnt and several residents being displaced. They reportedly described the incidents as a cross-border military-style invasion rather than a normal ethnic clash, noted the reports.

The organisations also raised concerns over the alleged use of drones, rocket launchers, and other military-grade weapons. Reports also suggested that armed cadres crossed the India-Myanmar border during the violence.

The memorandum also accused the Centre of failing to uphold the spirit of the 2015 Framework Agreement signed with the National Socialist Council of Nagalim, which recognises the political rights and unique history of the Naga people. The groups alleged that continued support for Kuki armed groups weakens the credibility of the peace process and the Centre’s responsibility under Article 355.

Describing the Centre’s approach towards Kuki armed groups as a “proxy war” against the Naga people, the organisations urged the Prime Minister to help take the Indo-Naga peace process to a “logical and acceptable” conclusion. They added that a fair political settlement is important for both border and national security.

The groups also urged the Centre to take action against KNA-B, People’s Democratic Force, and SoO cadres operating in Naga areas, restore free movement on Manipur highways, protect Naga ancestral territories, and order a judicial inquiry into the recent attacks and alleged security lapses.