Manipur unrest: Mary Kom’s native village raided, taken over by gunmen; NSCN-IM condemns development

NSCN-IM which is currently on a ceasefire with the government of India has strongly condemned the incident

Celebrated Indian boxer Mary Kom’s native village-Kangathei in Manipur’s Churachandpur district was raided and taken over by armed gunmen yesterday night.

According to reports, the gunmen invaded and occupied the village after the residents had fled there out of fear.

The village is inhabited by the Kom community people. The Kom community is one of five such minor tribes that reside in the hill districts of Manipur and is considered to be a minor Naga tribe.

Meanwhile, the NSCN-IM which is currently on a ceasefire with the government of India has strongly condemned the incident.

In a statement released on Thursday, the NSCN IM urged the Meiteis and Kukis not to involve such minor Naga tribes in the ongoing violence and to uphold the ideal of peaceful coexistence.

According to the NSCN IM, these minor Naga tribes are fighting for the right of the Nagas in the area to self-determination.

It may be mentioned here that earlier on May 4, the boxing champion made a heartfelt appeal urging the Centre to help her state which has been on the boil because of ethnic clashes related to multiple issues since May 3, 2023.

“I am not feeling good about the situation in Manipur. Since last night, the situation has deteriorated. I appeal to State and Central governments to take steps for the situation and maintain peace and security in the state. It is unfortunate that some people lost their family members in this violence. This situation must get normal at the earliest,” she said.

The situation in Manipur continues to be tense. Reports of violence came in from places like Bishnupur and New Checkon area of the capital city Imphal over the past few days.

Though curfew has been relaxed for about 7 hours from morning 5 AM to 12 noon from today in Imphal West and Imphal East, barring some places, overall there appears to be simmering tension across the state with protests being held at different locations across the state.

Reports of irate mob trying to storm the residence of Dr R K Ranjan Singh, Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Education located near Kongba bazaar in Imphal East came in last night.

This within a day of Manipur Minister Govindas Konthoujam’s Bishnupur house being vandalised by a mob.

Minister of State for Home, Nityananda Rai is in Manipur to review the situation. Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to visit Manipur from May 29-June 1.

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