The Central Working Committee of Tangkhul Naga Foothills’ Organisation (CWC-TNFO) condemns in the strongest possible terms the cowardly and cold-blooded ambush carried out today at NH-202 near TM Kasom, close to the Industrial Training Institute, where innocent civilians travelling from Imphal to Ukhrul were targeted.
The statement issued by the Media & Publicity Cell, CWC-TNFO stated “let it be said clearly this was not an accident. This was not a random act. This was a planned attack by the kuki terrorist. The report of Mr. Thangkhogin Baite on facebook is fabricated, bogus, and untrue.
“The vehicles were escorted from Yaingangpokpi to Litan. And then, in what can only be described as sheer negligence, the most vulnerable stretch was left unescorted. It is in that exact gap that suspected Kuki militants struck and opened fire indiscriminately. Who is responsible for leaving civilians exposed like this?
‘Two innocent lives have been taken:
Mr Yaruingam Vashum, age about 42 years, of Kharasom Village
Mr SW Chinaoshang of Tashar Village, an ex-serviceman who served the nation in the Naga Regiment
“This happened in broad daylight, around 2:35 PM. Not in secrecy. Not in darkness. In full view of a system that claims to be in control. We stand with the grieving families. But let us be honest condolences are not enough anymore. What is even more alarming is that this incident comes just one day after the visit of the chief minister, Yumnan Khemchand Singh, to Ukhrul under the banner of a so-called “peace mission”. Is this the peace that was promised? If a Chief Minister’s visit cannot guarantee even the most basic safety for civilians the very next day, then such visits are nothing more than hollow optics. This is not just a failure. This is a complete collapse of responsibility. We hold the district administration and security forces directly accountable for this incident. There is no excuse for such a lapse. None.
We demand, without delay:
1. Immediate suspension of the DC and SP of Ukhrul
2. A time-bound and transparent inquiry with accountability fixed
3. Complete overhaul of the current escort and security mechanism.
4. Mr. Thangkhogin Baite, who fabricated the news, should be immediately booked, as he is suspected to have been involved in the incident.
“The continued presence of central forces has done little except create a false sense of security. Time and again, attacks happen “under their watch”, and yet no one is held accountable. How long are people expected to live like this?
“How many more lives must be lost before someone takes responsibility? Enough of statements. Enough visits. Enough of excuses.
“If the system cannot protect the people, then the system must answer to the people” added the statement issued by the Media & Publicity Cell, CWC-TNFO.
