Chumoukedima, Manipur, July 26 (HBTV): The Meitei organization Arambai Tenggol has refuted the allegations of the NSCN-IM that the former has been targeting minority Christians during the ongoing ethnic clashes between the Kuki and Meitei community in Manipur.     

The Meitei organization characterized the accusations as inaccurate and misleading. A statement from Laishram Robason, Arambai Tenggol’s control room operator, said the Arambai Tenggol believes the cultural identity and traditional beliefs of the communities to be integral to collective identity. It must be safeguarded against any external influences that threaten their continuity, it stated.       

On July 24, the NSCN-IM had labeled the Arambai Tenggol a militant group despite the latter not being declared a banned organization by the government. The NSCN-IM said in its statement that violent extremism as followed by Arambai Tenggol is a threat to peace and tolerance.       

The Naga armed organization stated it was therefore natural that the NSCN should take a stand to guard the interest and safety of Christians in Manipur given the fact that Arambai Tenggol bears a strong hatred towards the Christians both in spirit and action.   

Countering the NSCN-IM’s statement, the Arambai Tenggol stated that the group firmly asserts violence to be a tool of aggression by Kuki refugees against the Meitei people.         

The NSCN-IM’s characterization of the conflict overlooks the complex realities on the ground and misrepresents the nature of the aggression faced by the indigenous people of Manipur, especially the Meitei community, the Tenggol stated. It also said that the Arambai Tenggol was compelled to defend the Meitei community against the backdrop of armed aggression by Kuki refugees.       

Stating that many dedicated members of the group have sacrificed their lives, the Arambai Tenggol described as ‘extremely unfortunate’ the NSCN-IM labeling them a militant group.     

“This mischaracterization overlooks our true mission and our members’ sacrifices to protect our community and cultural heritage,” Arambai Tenggol’s statement added. It reiterated that the group respects all religions and the right to religious practices; it stands firmly against any form of covert and overt conversion that seeks to undermine or destroy the cultural and religious heritage of the indigenous people of Manipur.                   

The Meitei group’s statement also claimed that the Arambai Tenggol strives to foster a deep appreciation for cultural roots through various initiatives and community engagements; it encourages the younger generations to take pride in their heritage.