Senapati: The Senapati District Students’ Association (SDSA) has issued a press release strongly condemning the violent altercation involving Kuki rally participants at Tumnoupokpi Naga village on Saturday. The incident occurred despite the presence of Central and State security personnel and involved physical scuffles between KSO-SH (Kuki Students’ Organisation Sadar Hills) members and SDSA leaders and volunteers who were engaged in a peaceful human chain.
In the press statement, the SDSA condemned the KSO-SH rally-goers for their aggressive behavior, particularly given the prior appeal to avoid rallies in Naga areas. The rally’s provocative chants of “We demand Kukiland, this is our land” were deemed unacceptable by the SDSA, who view them as an attempt to provoke the Southern Nagas.
The SDSA has previously rejected the creation of Kangpokpi District, which they argue unjustly divides Southern Senapati and Naga areas, and has called for the reversal of these changes. They also oppose any rally demanding separate administration or Kukiland within traditional Naga boundaries.
The SDSA has stated that KSO-SH will be held accountable for any future consequences resulting from the incident at Tumnaopokpi Naga village and has made it clear that they will not be responsible for any future outcomes.
While democratic agitation is indeed a fundamental right, it’s important to respect the boundaries and concerns of all communities involved. The Naga community had clearly expressed their opposition to holding rallies in their areas and had informed the KSO in advance. It is unfortunate that these concerns were not honored, leading to tensions that could have been avoided.