Imphal: Leading Naga civil society groups in Manipur have urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi for swift action against what they call a relentless wave of attacks and land grabs by Kuki armed factions targeting Naga hamlets in the state’s hilly regions.
The joint memorandum to the Prime minister, submitted by the United Naga Council, Naga Women’s Union, and All Naga Students’ Association Manipur, accused Myanmar-based Kuki extremist groups and cadres under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement of launching repeated attacks on Naga villages in Ukhrul and Kamjong districts.
It bore signatures from Ng Lorho of the United Naga Council, Ch. Priscilla Thumai of the Naga Women’s Union and Th. Angtheshang Maring of the All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur.
The groups described strikes by Kuki National Army-Burma militants, allegedly aided by SoO units, on Z. Choro, Namlee-Wanglee and Kaka villages on May 7 that destroyed homes and drove families away. They called the incidents a “cross-border military invasion,” not just standard ethnic fights.
Drones, rocket launchers and heavy weaponry were reportedly deployed, with significant numbers of fighters breaching the India-Myanmar frontier, according to the memorandum.
Peace Process At Risk
The signatories blamed New Delhi for breaching the essence of the 2015 Framework Agreement with the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah), asserting that shielding Kuki militants amid assaults on Naga lands damages peace negotiations.
They called for prompt security drives to remove KNA-B, People’s Democratic Force, and SoO personnel from Naga territories.
Additional demands included assurances against any reconfiguration of Naga ancestral domains in future setups, full highway mobility in Manipur, and a fast-tracked court inquiry into the strikes and security shortcomings.
Citing Article 355 of the Constitution, the memorandum underscored the Centre’s obligation to defend states from outside threats and domestic turmoil.
The memorandum pointed out that the “continued appeasement of Kuki armed groups” equates to a “proxy war” against Nagas, even as Delhi pursues landmark peace with Naga factions.
The groups implored PM Modi to steer the Indo-Naga talks to a “logical and acceptable conclusion,” emphasizing that an equitable deal is vital for enduring calm and security in India’s eastern borderlands.
