According to the India Times on October 1st, a Dangus leader from Manipur state in India warned that if the Indian government continues to ignore the Dangus people living in the vulnerable Indo-Myanmar border region, they may be forced to seek help from neighboring countries, including China. The organization also demanded immediate action from the Indian central government and the Manipur state government to ensure the safety of local residents.
Tangkhul Aze Katamnao Long, also known as the President of the Southern Tangkhul Students’ Union, Yarchuiso Kashung, said in Imphal: “We are extremely tired after reaching this stage.”
He said, “If the government of Manipur and the Indian government are unwilling or unable to protect the indigenous citizens, especially those living in vulnerable border areas, then people will have no choice but to seek help from neighboring countries, including China.”
Kajong demanded that the government take immediate action to protect the Naga civilians, and said, “If the Chief Minister is unable to protect this state and its people, he should resign voluntarily.”
When talking about the growing sense of alienation among residents in border areas, Kajong said, "When the government of Manipur doesn't care, and the central government doesn't care either, then we who live in border areas feel that we are not part of Manipur, nor of the central government, and not even of India."
Kahon also listed several incidents of Naga civilians being killed in recent times in Tamenglong, Senapati, and Kamjong. These incidents included a 17-year-old Liangmei Naga youth, three Mao Naga civilians, and four Tangkhul Naga civilians who were killed in Kamjong Pilong. He demanded that the relevant parties be held responsible for these killings.
The aforementioned statement comes at a time when the conflict between the Naga and Kuki-Zo communities is intensifying. Since the conflict erupted in February this year, nearly 50 people have been killed on both sides.
In the past month alone, 22 people have died, with 11 deaths on each side.
