Mon, May 16 (MExN): The Eastern Konyak Union (EKU) has expressed solidarity with the Tangkhul Naga community over the ongoing violence in Manipur, while condemning the loss of lives and attacks on civilians in the region.
In a press statement, the apex body of the Eastern Konyak people said it was deeply concerned over the reported loss of lives among the Tangkhul Naga community amid the ethnic conflict in Manipur.
Describing the Tangkhuls as part of the larger Naga family, the union said the continued violence and civilian casualties were a matter of grave concern.
The union also condemned the reported killing of three church leaders while they were returning from a church conference, describing the incident as inhuman and deeply disturbing.
Appealing for unity among Nagas, EKU stated that Nagas, despite being spread across different geographical regions, share common historical and cultural ties. It urged Naga leaders to raise a united voice in support of affected communities in southern Naga areas and to uphold peace, unity, and mutual support.
The union further, citing observations previously made by the United Naga Council, stated that Naga and Kuki communities had historically maintained peaceful relations, and claimed that during earlier phases of the conflict, Naga communities had extended shelter, protection, and humanitarian assistance to affected Kuki families to the best of their capacity.
However, it expressed concern over what it described as recent hostile actions and threats in Tangkhul Naga ancestral areas, terming the development deeply unfortunate and contrary to the spirit of past coexistence and mutual support between the neighbouring communities.
However, it expressed concern over recent hostilities and violence in Tangkhul-inhabited areas, while calling for restraint and peaceful resolution of differences.
Appealing to all communities to avoid further escalation, the statement issued by the EKU President P M Aman and General Secretary K Akham Honwang, urged all sides to reject violence and work towards dialogue, peaceful coexistence, and an amicable settlement of the conflict.
