April 9, 2003
Kuki International Forum (USA)
P.O Box 702164,
Tulsa, OK 74171-2164
USA
Shri Okram Ibobi Singh
Chief Minister,
Government of Manipur, Imphal
Subject: Bridging Kuki-Meitei cordial relationship and defend for Manipur State Integrity.
Respected Sir,
Your leadership in such a time as this is pivotal in the annals of Manipur History. The Kuki International Forum would
like to prompt the Manipur State Government about the recent 'India-Burma' border incident, highlighted in
a Press Release by Department of Publicity and Information, Kuki Students Democratic Front (KSDF), Burma.
The Forum painstakingly seek 'Solidarity,' 'Brotherhood,' and 'Integrity of Manipur State,'
when Naga Socialist Council of Nagalim (IM) lodged it evil mantras to Government of India for disintegrating
the age-old unanimity of Kangleipak viz-à-viz Zalen'gam of OUR Manipur State.
The younger generations ought to be enlightened by you about "ICHIN-INAO" relationship between
Kuki and Meitei since time immemorial.
To cite few good examples; Manipur Maharaja Chandrakriti was reinstated in his rightful throne (ca. 1852 A.D) by the
Kuki warriors after his princely kingdom was ransacked and brutally defeated by Burmese intruder.
To appease Maharaja's bitter agony and solitude, the head of the retreating Prince was brought to him under the
prowess valor-ship of Pu Jamkithang. In advancing Manipur north and Khonoma expedition (ca. 1879),
the Kuki dexterity and dignity in time of expeditionary track stood like the static Kangla Pillars as a commemoration.
In the south of Manipur, Pu Semthong, Suongpi Raja fortified (ca. 1921 A.D) the then North-East India
General Mission Compound at Suongpi as the Prince Name - Churachand, which then later became Churachandpur District.
Even in the context of Manipur State merger issue in 1949, it was the helpless Maharaja Buddha Chandra Singh who
against was the will and plea of the Kuki, left for Shillong to sign the state merger agreement due to strong
pressured by Akhil Manipur Hindu Maha Sabha (P. S. Haokip, Zalengam: The Kuki Nation, 28).
This historical evidences were the unshakable relationship prevailed even before the Chief Minister was born.
In such a historical backdrop, the Forum expresses its strong displeasure and lament for Manipur State Chief
Minister including the present cabinet ministers being so incapacitated in showing a statue like silence upon the awkward
incident at Manipur (Molcham) border. Reliable sources have related the manner in which the Meitei militants have
been backed and remote controlled by the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) of Burma, which
is against to the stand of free and democratic country, India.
We should not serve as a hammer of some authority(s) that are plotting sinister designs against
the cordial relationship of the Kukis and the Meiteis.
The Kuki Forum therefore, openly appeals to Peace Loving citizens of Manipur in general and the
Meitei National Workers in particular to avoid the volatile repercussion, and come to an amicable resolution
to find lasting accord and dispel such uncalled cowardice resort being carried out to the innocent Kuki villagers.
Such acts should be condemned by any right thinking people of Manipur irrespective of religions and racial orientation.
The KIF presents a strong united voice for our people who are scattered predominantly in three countries- Burma,
Bangladesh and India after they were subjugated by the then British colonialists.
The Forum stands for upholding peaceful-coexistence with our neighbors. It also lives to safeguard and promote the
cultural heritage of the great Kuki and Meitei (ref. www.kukiforum.com). They both stood to thwart their common
enemies and lived side by side in the spirit of brotherhood and mutual cooperation.
Reckoning all influential, intellectual and peaceful loving citizens of Manipur to stand together
for State Integrity in such a time as THIS!
Department of Publicity and Information
Kuki International Forum (USA)
Copy to:
Atal Behari Vajpayee, PM of India
General Than Shwe, Chairman, SPDC
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