Imphal, 4 July (MTNews): The Kuki National Organisation (KNO) spokesperson, Seilen Haokip, fell victim to violence as his residence was set ablaze in Manipur’s Churachandpur district on Monday night. This incident occurred just a day after the KNO and United People’s Front (UPF) declared their decision to lift the blockade on National Highway 2 in Kangpokpi district. The ongoing ethnic tensions in the state have taken a distressing turn, with this being the first prominent attack on a Kuki-Zomi leaders’ homes since the outbreak of violence on May 3.
The house of Seilen Haokip, located in Songpi, Churachandpur district, became the target of arson amidst the delicate situation. The KNO and UPF, both parties operating under the tripartite Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement with the Manipur and central governments, had announced the decision to lift the blockade on NH-2 in response to Union Minister Amit Shah’s concerns for restoring peace, harmony, and ensuring the uninterrupted flow of essential commodities in the state.
However, the decision to lift the blockade did not sit well with some sections of the Kuki-Zomi community, leading to discontent and subsequent violence. In response to the backlash, Haokip circulated a message within the community emphasizing that the decision aimed to expedite political negotiations for a separate administration for Kuki-Zomi territories.
The KNO, consisting of 17 Kuki insurgent groups operating under the SoO agreement, plays a significant role in the ongoing situation. PS Haokip, the president of KNO and chairman of the Kuki National Army (KNA), one of the influential Kuki insurgent groups, holds a key position within the organization.
Meanwhile, Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga expressed his deep concern over the continuous violence in Manipur. He emphasized the need for immediate efforts to restore peace and called for development with a human touch, echoing the principles of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” for all ethnic tribes, including the Zo ethnic tribes in Manipur.
Zoramthanga expressed his condolences to those affected by the violence, highlighting the loss of lives, destruction of homes, and the desperate need for refuge. Mizoram has provided shelter to approximately 12,000 internally displaced persons affected by the violence in Manipur, along with 38,000 Chin and Chin-Kuki refugees from Myanmar and Bangladesh. The Mizoram government has sought assistance from the central government to support these individuals.
Zoramthanga is a Mizo and Mizos, Kukis, Zomis, Hmars, Chins (Myanmar) and Chin-Kukis (Bangladesh) belong to the greater Zo community and they share the same ancestry, culture and tradition.
“I wish not to see any more pictures and video clips of churches being burnt, brutal killings and violence of all nature, regardless of gender and age…Many lives have been lost, bloodshed all over, physical torture and the victims are looking for refuge wherever possible,” Zoramthanga tweeted.
“With no iota of doubt, those victims are my kith and kin, my own blood and should we quieten the situation by just being silent? I don’t think so! I would like to call for immediate restoration of peace and normalcy,” he further added.