Dimapur, Feb. 18 (EMN): The NSCN (IM) has accused the Kukis of inciting communal violence in the 1990s by targeting innocent Naga civilians. It claimed in a statement that the ‘Naga-Kuki conflict of 1992-1997 is simply a repeat of history started by the Kukis under the banner of Kuki National Organisation (KNO), Kuki National Army (KNA), Kuki Defence Force (KDF), Chin-Kuki Resistance Force (CKRF) etc.’
The statement came after KNO accused the NSCN (IM) of Kuki genocide in a write-up that was published in Imphal-based dailies.
It claimed that the Kukis started killing Nagas in Moreh in 1992; one Naga girl was abducted, looted and molested by armed Kukis; and hundreds of houses were burnt to ashes with the state government remaining a mute spectator, thus triggering the conflict between the two communities. The Nagas decided to stand united to protect their lives and their lands by forming a village defence force called Naga Lim Guard after the atrocities of Kukis crossed all human limits and when they started issuing ‘quit notice’ to the Naga inhabitants in Moreh and other villages in Ukhrul and Chandel districts in collaboration with the state and central machineries, it stated.
“The KNO/KNA, after committing foul of highest degree against the Nagas desperately dragged the name of NSCN as the mastermind of the so-called Kuki genocide. This is disgusting and deceptive. Such a deceitful allegation against NSCN will not help the KNO/KNA to wash off their sins committed against the Nagas before the creator of heaven and earth,” read the statement.
The NSCN (IM) said that KNO may try to target the Nagas in general and NSCN in particular with false allegations but that will take them nowhere near to erase the recorded facts that had gone down into the pages of history. It claimed that the British brought the “Kukis from across the border in Burma in 1840” to use them to “subjugate the stubborn and ferocious Nagas” by providing free rations and fire-arms but they were made redundant after the Nagas made peace with the British. It said “Kukis continued living in the areas.”
The statement claimed that there were several instances when the Kukis attacked Naga villages belonging to the Tangkhuls in Ukhrul district and Zeliangrong villages in Tamenglong district, Manipur. It added that many non-Naga writers like B.C. Chakravorty, Sir Robert Reid and B.C. Allen had mentioned about the atrocities that the Kukis meted out to the Nagas in the past.
Condolence message
The Government of the People’s Republic of Nagalim (GPRN) has issued a press release expressing pain over the demise of Colonel Ngachonpam Vashai Zimik, commanding officer of Kiusumong Battalion, Naga Army, on February 18.
Zimik, who was from Lamlang village of Wung Tangkhul Region (WTR), joined the National Service on August 9, 1991.
“He served the Nation wholeheartedly with sincerity and loyalty in various capacities and truly lived up to the expectation of the authority until his demise. His name shall be recorded in the pages of the Naga history and his sacrifice for the Naga Nation shall ever be cherished,” reads the condolence message issued by the Ministry of Information and Publicity, GPRN.
“The Longvibu and the entire Naga Army stands in paying homage to the departed soul. In recognition of the service rendered towards the Naga Nation and as a mark of tribute to the departed comrade in arms, he has been posthumously bestowed the rank of Brigadier by the office of the Adjutant General, Naga Army,” it said.
“the Nation and GPRN proudly salute this brave son of the soil and convey condolences to the bereaved family. May his soul rest in peace!” it concluded.
