JAN 8, 2025 (IMP): The Committee of Tribal Unity (COTU), Sadar Hills, Kangpokpi, said that an armed gang from the vicinity attacked Kharam Vaiphei, a Kuki-Zo village in Sadar Hills, with bombs and multiple automatic gunshots by “misnomer gangsters” operating under the patronage of valley-based insurgent groups (VBIGs), and called upon the concerned authorities to nab them and flush out their hideouts from the Kuki-Zo areas.
However, in a statement, the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF–S Kamson) group claimed that it was an operation against Kuki UG outfits by its armed wing, the Zeliangrong Tiger Force (ZTF), and stated, “No Kuki land exists within Zeliangrong Inpui ancestral territory,” and warned, “Pack your belongings and desert immediately to avoid further escalation,” to those occupying the areas unlawfully.
The action was said to be compelled by serious concerns over the submission of a topographical map in support of a demand for Separate Administration, alleged illicit poppy cultivation activities along German Road and Tiger Road, the establishment of unauthorised camps under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) framework, and other unlawful activities within Zeliangrong Inpui traditional territory.
The outfit further added that the action was compelled by serious concerns over the submission of a topographical map in support of a demand for Separate Administration, alleged illicit poppy cultivation activities along German Road and Tiger Road, the establishment of unauthorised camps under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) framework, and other unlawful activities within Zeliangrong Inpui traditional territory.
According to reports, a gunfight ensued between the two groups in the Kharam Vaiphei area of Sadar Hills in Kangpokpi district of Manipur on Thursday morning around 7:30 am, and unconfirmed reports say at least 2–3 armed cadres belonging to the Kuki group were also injured.
