UKNA claims responsibility for attack on fuel tankers near Kaimai village on NH-37 in Manipur
- In Reports
- 05:55 PM, Apr 17, 2024
- Myind Staff
The United Kuki National Army (UKNA) asserted responsibility for the attack on fuel tankers near Manipur’s Kaimai village on National Highway 37 (NH37). Earlier in the day, armed men ambushed oil and gas tankers in the Tamenglong district, resulting in a driver sustaining bullet injuries.
According to police reports, gunfire struck at least two fuel tankers near Keimei village on NH-37, linking Imphal to Silchar. Unknown armed individuals reportedly fired from hilltops, targeting the fuel tankers on the highway and injuring the driver.
Bullets hitting the tankers resulted in oil spillage on the road. Additional forces were deployed to the area to alleviate tensions. However, the ambush sparked panic buying of petrol and diesel at petrol pumps in the valley districts of Manipur.
The insurgent Kuki outfit issued a press release after the attack, warning of future attacks of a similar nature.
According to the press release accessed by reporters, the UKNA issued a threat, labeling the attack on April 16th as their "first offensive operation" against the supply of essential commodities and "weaponry". The Kuki militant group claimed that the commodities in the trucks were being sent to aid the Meitei community.
Last year, large-scale violence erupted between the Meitei and Kuki ethnic communities in Manipur following a controversial court order. In February this year, the Manipur High Court rescinded its previous directive to include the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribe list, which had sparked riots in May 2023.
Accusing the state government of favouring the Meitei community, the Kuki outfit branded the government as "communal" and vowed to continue opposing it to prevent the "Genocide of Kukis." They further alleged their intention to target trucks transporting essential goods to halt the "illegal transport of heavy weaponry."
The press release also included threats of additional attacks, expressing regret for injuring a driver during the operation. Additionally, it warned that no goods vehicles bound for Imphal should travel on National Highway-37 with immediate effect.
The statement asserted that the operation is ongoing, warning that any transporters disregarding the order would be considered enemies of the Kuki people and would bear responsibility for the consequences of disobedience.
It concluded by affirming the organization's commitment to opposing the state government as long as it continues to support what it perceives as the ongoing Kuki Genocide, expressing solidarity with its people against the communal state government.
Image source: Deccan Herald
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