The Village Volunteer Eastern Zone (VVEZ), Kuki-Zo-Gam, has rejected recent remarks by NSCN-IM functionary Leisan Asa, secretary of the GPRN’s Wung Tangkhul Region, regarding territorial and political settlements in Naga areas. The group said it respects Naga political aspirations but will not accept any settlement that encroaches upon or takes Kuki ancestral land. VVEZ also rejected suggestions that its demand for a Union Territory was directed against the NSCN-IM or made at the insurgent group’s behest.
“The Kuki people have no objection to the political aspirations of the Naga people. However, no political movement or settlement can legitimately extend to the encroachment upon or appropriation of Kuki ancestral lands,” VVEZ said.
The organisation referred to the Kuki-Tangkhul conflict of the 1990s, alleging that the violence destroyed or caused the abandonment of several Kuki villages and settlements. It said it was seeking the restoration of ancestral lands and villages lost during the conflict, rather than territory belonging to another community.
VVEZ described its demand for a Union Territory with a legislature encompassing Kuki ancestral areas as an independent political demand. It warned that attempts to portray or obstruct the proposal would not change the Kuki community’s position and said it would continue pursuing its aspirations through lawful and democratic means.
The group also disputed the NSCN-IM’s account of four deaths, rejecting claims that the individuals were innocent civilians from Pilong village. VVEZ alleged that none of them was from Pilong and instead were transporters associated with a narcotics network in Kamjong district. It further claimed they were connected to a person described by the group as the second-in-command of the NSCN-IM’s Phungtha Brigade. These allegations could not be independently verified.
VVEZ called on the competent authorities to investigate the identities, affiliations, movements and activities of the four deceased individuals. It said it possessed supporting material that could substantiate its claims and also urged scrutiny of alleged links between armed organisations and illicit networks through transparent investigations and accountability.
Reiterating its position, VVEZ said no organisation could determine another community’s political future or claim territorial entitlement over Kuki ancestral areas. It urged stakeholders to address competing political and territorial claims through democratic processes while considering historical grievances.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/manipur/story/manipur-kuki-group-disputes-nscn-im-account-of-four-deaths-seeks-independent-probe-1455594-2026-09-26?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2026-09-26 14:22:00
