Two Kuki-Zo umbrella organisations have warned the Kamson faction of the Zeliangrong United Front that it will be held responsible for any escalation of violence following the burning of a Kuki-Zo village in Manipur.
In a joint statement issued on January 27, the United People’s Front (UPF) and the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) condemned the arson at K Songlung village and said any deterioration in the security situation would be attributable to the ZUF’s Kamson faction.
As per a report of India Today NE,“The burning of a Kuki-Zo village is not an isolated crime-it is an act with consequences,” the statement said, adding that “those who sow violence will inevitably reap its consequences.” The two groups described the incident as a criminal act against civilians and cautioned that further unrest triggered by such actions would be the responsibility of the ZUF (Kamson faction).
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Kuki-Zo Umbrella bodies reject justification
The UPF and KNO said that the attacks on villages only deepen mistrust and undermine fragile peace efforts in the state. They rejected attempts to justify violence, including claims linked to alleged poppy cultivation, stating clearly that arson, intimidation and collective punishment cannot be defended on any grounds.
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The joint statement further said that the accountability for any fallout from the incident would rest with those responsible for the alleged attack.
The organisations reiterated that targeting civilians risks widening the conflict at a time when Manipur continues to witness heightened tension and insecurity.
