TSA condemns KPLF/KPLA’s diktat on TSA Moreh; serves ultimatum for withdrawal of diktat

February 2, 2018

The Thadou Students’ Association – General Headquarters (TSA-GHQ) strongly condemns the vile, irrational and unlawful diktat of an armed militant group, the Kuki People Liberation Front/Kuki People Liberation Army (KPLF/KPLA), that leaders of TSA Moreh block must resign before May 15, 2018 or they will face dire consequences. The diktat without any specific or valid reason was issued by one Demkhoneh, Information & Publicity Secretary, KPLF/KPLA, and it appeared in Eimi Times on January 28, 2018.

This is indirect and total violation of fundamental rights of citizens, as guaranteed in the constitution, to form or join any lawful association anywhere in India. This is also a direct sabotage on democracy and rule of law, undermining freedom.

In this connection, James Mate, Secretary, Information and Publicity, KPLF/KPLA-MC, has issued a clarification (published in Eimi Times, January 31), disowning and condemning the diktat issued against TSA. While maintaining that there is no KPLF/KPLA other than them, the KPLF/KPLA-MC claimed that the diktat was the handiwork of KNA/KNO faking as KPLF/KPLA. While the KNA/KNO, a SoO signatory armed group, has not made any clarification regarding this matter, TSA thanks the KPLF/KPLA (MC) for their timely clarification.

For the record, the KNA/KNO for no reason had previously threatened Thadou cultural troupe, Moreh, and forcibly stopped them from attending the Thadou Cultural (Hun) festival in 2016. The KNA/KNO cadres had also intimidated and assaulted TSA leaders at Kangvai in Churachandpur district in November 2014 during TSA protest over the issue of Moreh Haolenphai land grabbing attempt.

TSA has taken up legitimate cases or issues, and will continue to do so, in the best interest of the public and the community, but it is not and never against any particular group or organisation. We would like to make it clear that TSA, as a legitimate voluntary civil society organisation committed to noble cause, is for the welfare of students and the whole community among Thadou tribe and beyond. We would also like to make it clear that TSA has the right to exist and operate in any areas inhabited by Thadou community.

TSA is more than happy to discuss and would like to encourage anyone, any organisation or any group to come forward if they have any problem with TSA on any valid or relevant issue. We will, however, not tolerate any form of terrorism, harm or intimidation by any individual or organisation against leaders or members of TSA or Thadou community and we will fight for justice in any such cases.

While TSA respects and acknowledges the role and good work of all other organisations or groups, whether armed or unarmed, we would like to ask the same and request all not to interfere unnecessarily in the affairs of TSA or any Thadou organisation, but support TSA in larger interest, or else mind their own business.

TSA would like to fervently ask the KPLF/KPLA or any responsible group to clarify and withdraw their diktat in the same newspaper that they issued their diktat on or before the 15th of February 2018, failing which TSA will lodge complaints with the government authority, and also will not hesitate to launch agitations, for befitting stern action against the group for peace, justice and protection of freedom and the constitution. If any untoward incident happens to any TSA leaders or its supporters, the KPLF/KPLA or KNA/KNO will be solely held responsible.

Sd/-
(Kamsanglen Singsit)
Secretary Information & Publicity Thadou Students’ Association