KCLF backs Nagaland-led peace efforts, urges dialogue and warns against misinformation amid escalating Tangkhul-Kuki tensions in Manipur
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DIMAPUR — Amid escalating tensions between Kuki and Tangkhul communities in Manipur’s Ukhrul district, the Kuki Christian Leaders' Forum (KCLF) on Friday endorsed ongoing peace initiatives led by Naga Christian bodies and cautioned against the spread of “false narratives” on social media that could derail reconciliation efforts.
In a statement, the forum described the recent violence between the two communities as “unfortunate”, stating that the conflict stemmed from what initially began as a local issue in Litan Sareikhong village in Ukhrul district.
The KCLF expressed appreciation to the Nagaland Joint Christian Forum (NJCF), Naga Council Dimapur (NCD), and Fellowship of Naga Baptist Associations (FNBA) for appealing for cessation of hostilities and working toward reconciliation between the Kuki and Tangkhul communities.
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The forum particularly acknowledged the initiative undertaken by the NJCF in convening church and civil society leaders from both communities in Kohima on May 4 for dialogue and peace-building efforts.
According to the KCLF, the peace initiative undertaken by Christian leaders from Nagaland had emerged as a “beacon of hope” amid growing unrest in the region.
At the same time, the forum condemned misinformation circulating on social media claiming that the “Kuki-Naga joint meeting for peace and cessation of hostilities” held in Nagaland had failed after the president of the Tangkhul Naga Long allegedly walked out of the meeting.
The KCLF stated that the source of the claim could not be verified and urged the public not to circulate unconfirmed reports, warning that misinformation could create mistrust and hamper ongoing peace-building efforts.
The forum also appealed to members of the Kuki community to respond positively to calls issued by Naga Christian and civil society organisations for an immediate halt to violence.
It further urged Kuki civil society organisations and community leaders to pursue “sincere and constructive dialogue”, stating that no lasting solution could emerge through confrontation or force.
The forum also recalled the role played by the Naga Council Dimapur as a mediator during the Kuki-Naga conflict of the 1990s and appealed to the organisation to continue promoting peace and reconciliation during the present crisis.
The KCLF additionally endorsed the NJCF’s appeal for both communities to observe a cessation of violence from May 5 to July 5, describing the proposed two-month period as an opportunity for healing, coexistence and restoration of mutual trust.
Maintaining that the Kuki community desired peaceful coexistence with all communities irrespective of ethnicity or religion, the forum expressed hope that intervention by church leaders across Northeast India would help restore peace and reconciliation in Manipur.