Several Naga civil society organisations and political groups strongly condemned the recent killings and violence in Manipur.
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DIMAPUR — Several Naga civil society organisations and groups have expressed strong condemnation over the recent violence, killings, and abductions involving different communities in Manipur.
EKU: The Eastern Konyak Union (EKU), in a press statement, expressed deep concern over the loss of lives in the Tangkhul Naga community during ethnic clashes in the state.
Stating that the Nagas are living in different portions across the imaginary borderlines of India and Myanmar, the EKU asserted that the community cannot be divided and that they are one Naga.
It appealed to all Naga leaders to raise their voices for the southern Nagas who have lost their lives while fighting to defend their ancestral land.
The union also condemned the killing of three church leaders who were returning from a conference, calling it a satanic and inhuman act.
Pointing out that the Nagas had maintained a peaceful relationship and provided shelter to the Kuki community during their past clashes, the union expressed regret over the threats and attacks in the Tangkhul Naga ancestral land.
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Appealing to both the Naga and Kuki communities to refrain from evil plans against each other, the EKU stated that attacks will not bring any solution and urged them to find alternative ways to maintain peaceful coexistence.
ZKPO: The Zeliang-Kuki Public Organisation (ZKPO), Athibung sub-division, condemned the recent incidents of killings, kidnappings, arson, and destruction of houses involving sections of the Kuki and Naga communities in Manipur.
In a joint statement, Lamhen, President of the ZKPO, and Ikiak, General Secretary of the ZKPO, stated that taking innocent civilians as hostages by either side is totally unacceptable and goes against all human and Christian values. They appealed to all parties to safely release the hostages without harm urgently.
Condemning the brutal killing of pastors and servants of God, they affirmed that such acts of violence, hatred, and intimidation are against the wishes of the peace-loving people of the Ahthibung sub-division.
The leaders of both communities appealed to all sections of society to exercise restraint, maintain communal harmony, and reject any attempt to spread enmity, misinformation, or provocation that may disturb the prevailing peace in the area.
NSCN/GPRN (Niki): The Niki-led NSCN/GPRN (K), in a press statement, stated that it is alarming and disheartening to hear about the loss of innocent lives in southern Nagaland.
The group stressed the need for a concerted effort to defend the people and lands from inimical forces in cahoots with foreign occupiers.
The group alleged that the conflicting communities should seriously analyse whether they are playing into the hands of neo-colonial forces occupying their lands.
"Our identity and culture is closely and inseparably tied to our lands. Therefore, Nagas should seriously ponder as to how our identity and nation would be without our lands," it stated.
Warning that the patience and silence of the Nagas must not be misconstrued as a sign of weakness or submission, the NSCN/GPRN stated that any misadventure against them would have devastating consequences.
NSCN/GPRN (Michael): The K Michael-led NSCN/GPRN, through its Ministry of Information and Publicity, condemned the brutal murder of three church leaders and the injuring of four others by an armed militant outfit on the morning of May 13 in the Kangpokpi district.
"This dastardly act of violence is a direct attack not only on the innocent lives but also on peace, religious freedom and humanity," the statement read.
The group noted that the loss of these devoted servants of faith has caused deep sorrow and anguish among believers, families, and all people of goodwill.
Stating that violence, hatred, and extremism in all forms hold no place in a civilised society, the group added that peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among all faiths and communities must remain a collective priority.