Four people were killed, two others injured and more than 15 houses were burnt down in an alleged attack by the Kuki National Army-Burma (KNA-B) on Kultuh, a Kuki settlement under Tangkhul jurisdiction along the Indo-Myanmar border in Kamjong sub-division of Kamjong district, in the early hours of Thursday, according to the Eastern Command of the Naga Village Guard (NVG).
KNF-P–KNA-B rift
In a statement, the NVG said the attack appeared to have stemmed from a sharp rift between the Kuki National Front-Presidential group (KNF-P) and the KNA-B over territorial dominance along the international border. It also alleged that the assault may have been carried out in retaliation for non-payment of what it described as narco-trade tax to the KNA-B over a prolonged period.
According to the statement, NVG personnel, who have been on patrol and vigil along the border since earlier attacks at Choro, Wanglee and Namlee, rushed to the spot around 3.30 am after hearing of the intrusion. A fierce gunfight reportedly lasted for around 20 minutes, during which one member of the NVG was injured.
External aggression
The Eastern Command of the NVG strongly condemned what it described as an external aggression on the ancestral land of the Tangkhul Nagas, saying the assault had claimed lives, destroyed homes and spread fear among villagers. It said Thursday’s incident was the second such attack after the coordinated violence at Choro, Wanglee and Namlee on 7 May, allegedly carried out by the KNA-B with backing from a Myanmar-based militant outfit.
Expressing grief, the NVG also conveyed condolences to the families of the four villagers killed in the attack. “It is with deep sorrow that we stand with the bereaved families in this hour of loss,” the statement said.
NVG vows action
Reiterating its position, the NVG said it remained committed to defending its land, identity and people against what it called external threats. It warned that any further attempt to disturb peace and security in the area would be met with equal force.
The situation in the border area remained tense following the attack, while local residents were said to be in shock over the killings and destruction.