Mizoram's Apex Student Body Decries "Ethnic Clash" between Kukis & Tangkhuls

Aizawl, March 17, 2020:

Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP), the apex student body of Mizoram, has condemned the violent clash between the Kukis and Sampui Nagas in Kamjong district of Manipur.

Tension gripped Kamjong district on Monday following a clash between Chassad and Sampui villages wherein over 100 houses belonging to the former village were reportedly burnt down. More than ten vehicles were also charred to ashes.

"MZP are deeply concerned and cannot tell how someone could set a village on fire. Not just putting fire to their houses and farm but also hurting innocent people. We the MZP convict Manipur Police SP and Assam Rifles," read a statement issued by the MZP on Tuesday.

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It added, "We request them to punish the ones who deserve to be punished and think of our blood brothers Kuki on how they can be protected from future violence. MZP are always

ready to give hand to our brothers in need, no matter where they are. We the MZP are willing to stand for our Brothers."

Section 144 was imposed following the clash in Kamjong, thereby prohibiting assembly of five or more persons, carrying of lethal weapons such as sticks, stones, firearms and movement of people out of their houses in Chassad, Kamjong and along the main road of Sampui area. The Manipur Government had also suspended internet services  till March 18.

An Inside Northeast source informed that Manipur Government has deployed a strong security force in the two areas to bring the situation under control. Local Police have also deployed personnel to ensure safety in the streets.

ALSO READ: Internet Suspended in Manipur for 3 Days amid Violent Clashes in Kamjong

According to police, the tension between two communities broke out after some unknown miscreants burnt down the jhum cultivation area of around 30 acres belonging to Chassad, which is around one km north from Chassad Police Station on Sunday. Villagers have not approached the Police station with a written complaint regarding the incident. However, the Police station has registered a Suo-Moto case in connection with the incident.

The locals of Chassad village blocked the Ukhrul-Kamjong road on Monday morning upon which the people of the Sampui village requested the protesters to stop the road block. However, the former denied saying that they would not withdraw the blockade until the miscreants involved in burning of the Jhum cultivation area were produced.

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Clashes broke out between the two villages after a group of people started burning down the houses of Chassad village after evacuating the villagers. In the process, over 100 houses and about ten vehicles were burnt down.

The MZP has urged the Manipur Government to take steps forward "so that the people in India with backward classes can live peacefully and not in chaos anymore."

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