Amid escalating tensions in Manipur, KANAM has questioned the government’s selective action against Kuki-Zo self-defense groups while extremist factions remain armed. The organization demands fair enforcement of the law and an end to state-backed aggression.
BY PC Bureau
New Delhi | March 12
Amid reports that on March 12, 2025, at 7:30 AM, the Assam Rifles, under the command of the 26 Sector, launched a heavy assault on Village Volunteers Eastern Zone (VVEZ) in Laijang village, Chandel district, the Kuki Alliance for Nampi Awakening Movement (KANAM) has expressed strong condemnation of this military action. Reports indicate that drone strikes and mortar bombardment were deployed against the Village Volunteers, treating them as a terrorist organization.
As of the latest updates, VVEZ had not retaliated, yet they were subjected to an aggressive offensive by the state forces, KANAM said in a statement. However, the Assam Rifles had not confirmed the incident.
“This attack underscores the Indian government’s mistreatment of tribal communities and raises grave concerns about the targeting of self-defense forces while armed Meitei extremist groups such as Arambai Tenggol and VBIGs continue to operate with impunity,” KANAM said.
While acknowledging the role of the Assam Rifles in protecting Kuki-Zo villages from ethnic violence, KANAM said it could not ignore acts of excessive force that violate constitutional rights and endanger civilians. “The Kuki-Zo Village Volunteers (KZVVEZ) exist not out of choice but necessity—a direct consequence of the government’s failure to disarm extremist groups and provide security to tribal populations,” the statement said.
On March 12, 2025, in Laijang village, Chandel district, The Assam Rifles, under the command of the 26 Sector, launched a heavy attack on the Village Volunteers. The true meaning of democracy is gone under BJP regime@BJP4India @AmitShah @narendramodi @adgpi pic.twitter.com/XT9MtCbMeC
— Bem Sitlhou BB (@BemLhungdim) March 12, 2025
Key Concerns:
- Why was heavy artillery and drone warfare used against a self-defense force, while Meitei militants remain fully armed and operational?
- Why has the government not recovered weapons looted by Arambai Tenggol and VBIGs?
- Why are those protecting their homes treated as enemies while extremist groups act with impunity?
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KANAM said it didn’t not stand against the Assam Rifles as an institution, but opposes actions that criminalize and attack communities forced into self-defense. “ustice and peace can only be achieved when all communities are equally protected, and the state upholds fairness, impartiality, and constitutional integrity.” it said..
“We demand an immediate cessation of indiscriminate military aggression and call for a fair resolution that addresses the root cause of this conflict—the unchecked militarization of Meitei extremist groups. Until this is done, any attempt to disarm Kuki-Zo volunteers only seeks to render the persecuted defenseless.” it said.
Kanam asserted it stood for the protection of Kuki-Zo communities from extremist violence, advocating for fair and equal enforcement of law and order. The organization strongly opposes state-backed discrimination and the use of excessive force against marginalized tribal groups. At the heart of its demands is a call for the Government of India to act with justice, constitutional integrity, and impartiality, ensuring a peaceful and lasting resolution to the ongoing crisis.
“We urge the Government of India to act justly, constitutionally, and without bias to ensure a peaceful and lasting resolution,” it said.
