Kukis demand 'solution first, peace next'
Source: The Sangai Express

Kangpokpi, May 23 2023: The Kukis have conveyed to the Central Government their unanimous stance of "Solution first, Peace next" during a sit-in protest held today at Keithelmanbi Military Colony in Champhai sub-division of Kangpokpi district.

The Kuki protesters also demanded that the solution should be based on the political talks of the United People's Front (UPF) and the Kuki National Organization (KNO) with the Government of India and the Government of Manipur.

They also clearly asserted that they would not entertain any peace process initiated by the Government without first addressing their problems and coming up with a solution.

The spokesperson of the Committee on Tribals Unity (COTU), Sadar Hills K Sitlhou said, "When our people are really suffering and their cries have never been heard, and when there is a lot of damage and loss of lives, why do the Government's representatives come to meet us only propagating peace ?

Kukis demand 'solution first, peace next'

"We are not against peace as we are always a peace-loving community, but we want the Central Government to first address our problems and then talk about peace", he said.

The solution should be based on the political dialogue between the UPF and KNO and the Governments, asserted Sitlhou.

Another member of the COTU, Sadar Hills highlighted the various grievances faced by the internally displaced persons at various relief camps set up in Kangpokpi district.

She said that people are scattered around, thousands are homeless and hundreds of relief camps have been set up with shortages of food, clothing and many other basic amenities and added that among many others there are shortage of medical facilities for internally displaced persons.

"It is no longer possible for us to live together with the valley people", she asserted.

"I would happily forget or sacrifice the burning down of my houses and properties, the killings, tortures, and what not, if our problems are addressed by the Central Government with a solution" asserted one of the internally displaced men who joined the sit-in protest.

A similar sit-protest will be held tomorrow at Saparmeina to draw the immediate attention of the Central Government in addressing the problems of the Kuki people.