Stop intimidation or face retaliation: FNCC to Kuki militants
Manipur
's Ireng and nearby areas.
FNCC said Kuki National Front (KNF-P) cadres entered Naga-inhabited areas twice with the second instance on Aug 15 and assaulted farmers who were working in their own fields and termed the incidents as "deliberate acts meant to spread fear and provoke unrest".
FNCC alleged that the militants are moving freely with sophisticated weapons in broad daylight, with complete impunity and described the act as "an open display of terror" which not only endangered lives of civilians but also posed "a direct challenge" to the very existence of the Naga people.
In a statement, FNCC claimed that Naga people in the area have consistently upheld peace and shown restraint. However, it warned that it would not remain passive if authorities failed to act. "We will enforce a total bandh, or shutdown, on the movement of Kukis in Naga-inhabited areas if govt forces did not intervene decisively," it warned.
While stating that Naga people should live in fear in their own land, it has also cautioned that if the Kuki militants refused to respect the peaceful intent of the Nagas, they are "fully prepared to respond in a language they understand".
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