Two prominent Kuki civil society organisations in Ukhrul district have expressed strong concern over the proposed rally of the All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM) along National Highway-202, particularly through Kuki-Zo inhabited areas between Litan Sarekphong and Mahadev, citing prevailing security concerns and the unresolved hostage crisis involving 14 Kuki-Zo individuals.
In separate press statements issued today, the Kuki CSO Working Committee, Ukhrul (WCKCSOs-Ukhrul) and the Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO)-Ukhrul cautioned that the proposed mobilisation through sensitive areas could aggravate the already volatile situation in the region.
The WCKCSOs-Ukhrul, in a “Security Advisory,” strongly objected to ANSAM’s decision to proceed with the proposed march along NH-202, especially through stretches inhabited by Kuki-Zo communities. The organisation stated that the conflict in the region remains unresolved and noted that 14 Kuki-Zo hostages are reportedly still in captivity.
Describing ANSAM’s insistence on passing through the sensitive corridor as “irresponsible” and “provocative,” the committee stated that any attempt to project strength or exert pressure through routes passing directly through vulnerable communities would be viewed with serious concern.
“In the interest of public safety and communal peace,” the committee advised ANSAM to immediately drop the proposed route through Kuki-Zo inhabited areas and seek alternative arrangements.
The organisation further warned that if ANSAM proceeds despite the prevailing security concerns, the Kuki-Zo community should not be held responsible for any untoward incidents arising therefrom. It stated that responsibility would rest entirely with the organisers and the authorities permitting the march through what it termed a “highly sensitive corridor.”
The advisory added that the statement was issued in the larger interest of public safety and to avert any avoidable escalation in the already tense environment.
Meanwhile, the KSO-Ukhrul clarified in its separate statement that it is not opposed to ANSAM’s proposed rally from Ukhrul to Imphal in principle, but strongly objected to what it described as “insensitive mobilisation” through volatile Kuki-Zo inhabited stretches of NH-202.
The student body alleged that ANSAM announced the rally without first engaging with KSO-GHQ for facilitation, despite the prevailing ground realities and the reported captivity of 14 Kuki-Zo men.
According to KSO-Ukhrul, such actions reflected poor judgement and disregard for the prevailing security situation.
KSO-Ukhrul also criticised what it termed ANSAM’s “selective outrage” and “conspicuous silence” over the ongoing hostage crisis involving members of the Kuki-Zo community.
Calling for restraint, the organisation advised that rally participants should instead be transported across Kuki-Zo inhabited stretches under adequate security arrangements rather than physically marching through the sensitive areas.
The student body further stressed that slogan shouting, provocative behaviour or any act capable of inflaming tensions must be strictly avoided in order to maintain communal harmony and public safety.
KSO-Ukhrul warned that should its advisories be ignored, any untoward consequences arising from the rally would rest solely with the organisers and the concerned government authorities.
