ITLF Condemns Heavy-Handed Actions by Security Forces Amid Ethnic Unrest

The Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF) of Manipur has expressed grave concerns to Union Home Minister Amit Shah about alleged heavy-handed actions by central agencies against Kuki-Zo village volunteers during ongoing ethnic conflicts. The forum condemned multiple incidents of violence and wrongful detentions by security forces, particularly in Jiribam’s Phaitol and Mongbung villages.

The Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF) based in Manipur has raised serious concerns in a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah about the reported harsh actions by central agencies against Kuki-Zo village volunteers amidst ongoing ethnic conflicts.

The ITLF's letter denounces various incidents, focusing on actions in Jiribam's Phaitol and Mongbung villages where central security forces allegedly assaulted seven Kuki women and detained two village youths.

The forum also cited the arrest of three Kuki-Zo volunteers following an arson attack and allegations of burning community leaders' residences, which have heightened local tensions.

Further, ITLF claimed that five Kuki women were hospitalized following physical assault by security forces, who allegedly set fire to the residence of the general secretary of the Kuki Inpi in Jiribam, Noney, and Tamenglong.

These allegations coincide with operations by security forces in Phaitol and L Hengjol villages in Kangpokpi district on July 8 and 9, resulting in the apprehension of three militants and seizure of three AK series rifles and 1,300 rounds of ammunition.

The forum disputed Chief Minister Biren Singh's assertions of peace talks, stating that tribal leaders are not part of any such discussions.

''The CM should stop spreading rumours to gain public support. If some people have taken part in any meeting, they are doing so in their personal capacity,'' stated the letter.

(With inputs from agencies.)