ITLF Condemns Gruesome Attack on Tribal Villages (VIDEO)

26 houses, 3 churches burnt, 1 tribal killed

LAMKA, 02 JULY 2023 (PR): The Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF) expresses its utmost condemnation and outrage at the recent heinous attack on the tribal villages of Langza and Chinglangmei of Lamka District (formerly Churachandpur), located around 70 kms southeast of Imphal at around 4 am in the morning. 

This brazen act of violence was perpetrated by a group of individuals, clad in black t-shirts, allegedly identified as members of Arambai Tengols. They were accompanied by a convoy of around 20 trucks suspected to contain members of Meira Paibis, radicalized groups Arambai Tenggol and Meitei Leepun, which further intensified the assault on the village. During the attack, the assailants callously looted the properties of the innocent villagers, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. Subsequently, they proceeded to set fire to 26 houses and three churches (Independent Church of India, Evangelical Assembly Church, and Reformed Presbyterian Church), inflicting irreparable damage on the community. 

Regrettably, several village tribal volunteers were present during this terrifying ordeal. While two women and some men managed to escape, one villager, Mr. David Hmar, tragically lost his life. The assailants cruelly severed his neck and displayed his head on a fence, before callously discarding his body into one of the engulfed houses. This act of savagery demonstrates a complete disregard for human life and a reprehensible contempt for the tribal community. 

Furthermore, the ITLF is deeply disturbed by the abduction of five innocent villagers, adding to the already devastating impact of the ongoing spree of looting, murder, and arson in the tribal villages since May 3, 2023. This reprehensible act further highlights the urgent need for immediate action to ensure the safety and security of the tribal communities in Outer Manipur. 

Once again, the ITLF calls upon the Honorable President of India, the Honorable Prime Minister and concerned Union Ministers, and others at Raisina Hill to take swift and decisive action to bring the perpetrators of these heinous crimes to justice. Why has President’s Rule not been imposed yet? Is the Central Government waiting for the state-sponsored, Meitei-centric majority government of Manipur to complete the ethnic cleansing of the tribal community?

Additionally, we call upon the national and international community, human rights organizations and concerned individuals to unite in condemning this ongoing pogrom by the Meiteis. 

The ITLF continues to stand in solidarity with all our tribal communities during this dark and trying time. We remain steadfast and resolute in our commitment to safeguard our lands, rights, and identity in Outer Manipur and will not be bogged down by such inhuman atrocities unleashed upon us. We will stand tall and persevere. 

Ginza Vualzong,

Media & Publicity,

Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF)

Lamka, Outer Manipur.

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