Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 18:
Concerned with the casualties suffered by Kuki villagers due to escalation of tension/stand-off between rival groups of the NSCN in Nagaland, the Kuki Movement for Human Rights has drawn the attention of the Central Government to intervene and save the life of the Kuki people.
In a letter addressed to the union home Minister, the rights body highlighted the frequent clashes between the armed cadres of NSCN (IM) and NSCN (K) in kuki inhabited villages in Nagaland in the last few years causing panic and uncertainty amongst the the Kukis.
Pointing out that gun-fights took place as recently as April 11 and 16 at Serima Kuki village, the KMHR representation quoted reports of two civilians being wounded in the clashes and currently hospitalised besides burning down of seven houses.
Since yesterday (april 17) cadres of NSCN (IM) occupied Molvom Kuki village while the NSCN (K) activists are holed up in the nearby Bungsang Kuki village with full preparations to engage in a bitter gun battle, said the rights body.
Alleging that Indian Army is remaining as silent spectators, the KMHR informed the Centre that the Kuki villagers are fleeing their homes with some unlucky ones detained as hostages.
The rights body fervently appealed to the Central Government for prompt action to avert human casualties and save properties of the villagers.