The Kuki Chief Association, Manipur (KCAM), expressed deep concern over the unfortunate Litan Sareikhong incident on February 7 and condemned, in the strongest terms, the acts of arson committed by villagers from both sides, i.e., the Sikibung Tangkhuls and the Litan Sareikhong Kukis. The association squarely placed responsibility on the government for its failure to prevent the continuation of such barbaric acts, which continue unabated to this day.
It is reported that the incident originated from a minor altercation involving a few intoxicated individuals from both villages, and the matter was suppose to be addressed peacefully and customarily through the established village authority of Litan Sareikhong, in consultation with the family of the injured person. However, in utter disregard of the reconciliation process, the violence has continued to escalate ceaselessly, said a press release of KCAM.
Under no circumstances should this incident be allowed to spiral beyond its immediate context. The crisis must be contained within the Litan area and treated strictly as a dispute between two villages. It should not be misconstrued or projected as a conflict between two communities, it said.
The KCAM observed that the government’s insincerity in dealing with the already volatile situation in Litan Sareikhong, where a particular community has been given a free hand by State and Central Armed Forces to burn down houses. Furthermore, it is shameful that the State Fire Department acted in a biased manner, with the fire brigade taking a proactive role in dousing the houses of one community while turning a blind eye to those of the other, it said.
The situation in the Litan area has now escalated into a humanitarian crisis. Populations on both sides have abandoned their homes for safer places and have been displaced, it said.
KCAM appealed to the Government of India to act promptly before it is too late by rehabilitating the victims and initiating an immediate resettlement process for the displaced people, with trusted Central Security Forces deployed on the ground.
KCAM blames government for Ukhrul violence
