ITLF claims in Sugnu 15 villages, 15 churches and schools burned

Manipur: Indigenous tribal leaders’ forum said on June 5 that on June 4, 15 villages, 15 churches and 11 schools were torched by miscreants in Sugnu areas of Manipur.
In a press release, the forum said that since Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent visit to Manipur, a disturbing rise in violence has been reported in the state, resulting in the loss of 10 lives, attributed to the ongoing ethnic war in the region.
On May 30, eight villages in Chandel and seven villages in Kangpokpi were burnt.
The ITLF has expressed concern over incidents of looting of arms from state forces and burning of tribal villages by Meitei separatists.
The group has identified Arambai Tenggol and Meitei Leepun as individuals who they claim have become radicalized with the tacit support of Meitei-based state forces.
The ITLF said that during Amit Shah’s visit, the Meitei armed group launched a series of violent attacks on the Kuki-Zu community, undermining the home minister’s call for a 15-day peace period.
Disturbingly, the licensed guns which were initially deposited in the offices of the concerned District Superintendent of Police were used by Arambai Tenggol in the attack on the Kuki zu community. One such gun, inscribed “Arambai Tenggol Set 2”, was discovered by Holjakai of Hengsi Village.
The ITLF said that despite the escalating violence and loss of life, the Chief Minister of Manipur and MPs from within Manipur have remained silent on the issue, drawing criticism from the ITLF.
Concerns have been raised about the 15-day peace period proposed by Amit Shah, with fears that it could be misused by the Meitei community for acts of violence and ethnic cleansing against tribals.
The ITLF highlights the Meitei community’s determination to disrupt peace, despite appeals from the Union Home Minister.
In response to these repeated attacks and the ongoing process of ethnic cleansing, the ITLF strongly condemned the violence and demanded immediate action from the central government.
He urged the government to end violence against the tribals of Manipur and ensure strong security measures to protect their communities.