Imphal : Two powerful Naga bodies – the United Naga Council, (UNC) and the Liangmai Naga Indigenous Forum (LNIF) have vehemently condemned the life attempt meted out to Manu Z Hotngambou, a Naga leader and former chairman of Rianglong village, who was thrashed by the Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA) at Chalwa Village on 5 September 2023.

The KRA, a Kuki underground group is at present under the Suspension of Operation with the central government.
The UNC in a statement demanded due justice to be ensured to the victim by all concerns and the perpetrators should not be left scot-free.

The authorities concerned and community leaders must initiate necessary actions to bring an amicable solution to the matter and deliver justice to the victim promptly for the well-being of all the communities. UNC, the apex Naga body in the region states, “Such blatant act of extortion or unabated imposition upon the Nagas is a matter of serious concern and UNC has taken strong exception over the matter.”

The LNIF appeals to the Kukis that they should learn to love, respect others, and live peacefully in the state. Notably, Manu Z Hotngambou was driving his Bolero pickup towards Imphal, and when he reached Chalwa village Kangpokpi district, the Kuki militants stopped him and demanded a certain amount of money.

When he refused, he was thrashed multiple times on his face and head leaving him temporarily unconscious and bleeding. After that incident, he proceeded towards Kangpokpi for Imphal, Another group of Kuki militants demanded money, forcing him to pay, and out of fear for his life he negotiated for Rs 2000, a statement issued by the LNIF said.