Kukis demand protection from NSCN factional fights

Imphal, Apr 19 (UNI) Fights between the two factions of the NSCN in Nagaland and parts of Manipur have affected the Kuki tribes, the Kuki Movement for Human Rights said.

The movement has appealed to the Centre to intervene and save the Kukis settled in the areas where the fights were going on.

Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil was urged to protect the tribes as frequent clashes between the armed cadres of NSCN(IM) and NSCN(K) in Kuki inhabited villages of Nagaland have caused panic among the Kukis.

The organisation said during recent clashes on April 11 and 16 at Serima Kuki village two civilians were injured. Since April 17 NSCN(IM) cadres had also occupied Molvom Kuki village, while NSCN(K) activists were camping in the nearby Bungsang Kuki village, it was stated.

The NSCN(IM) and the Union Government are on ceasefire as talks were going on.

UNI