KIMACS calls for collective efforts to fight against 'external aggressors'
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 15 2023: The Kanglei Indigenous Martial Arts and Cultural Society (KIMACS) appealed to the'indigenous Kukis' to come together to fight collectively against the 'external aggressors' who are on a spree to disrupt the peaceful coexistence among the various communities of the State.

KIMACS president in a press release reiterated that the indigenous communities of the State including indigenous Kukis have been existing peacefully since time immemorial and have been striving earnestly to preserve the unity and integrity of Manipur.

Expressing grave concern on 'the acts of Kuki militants who are under Suspension of Operation (SoO) pact with the Government who have been violating the ground rules of the pact by resorting to kidnapping and killing of innocent people, setting ablaze the houses of Meitei civilians, joining in bandh/ blockades etc, KIMACS maintained that they are the main perpetrators who led to the May 3 violence leading to the turmoil in the State.

In view of the above, KIMACS urged the Central and State Government to take up stringent actions against the SoO Kuki militants to bring an end to the series of violence and arson posing great danger to the lives and property of the civilians.

If timely action is not taken up against these perpetrators now, the State may experience more worse and ugly incidents of communal violence, added the release.

Reacting strongly against the false propaganda spread by some with vested interests backed by those in power on National media and social media platforms that the 'Kuki community have been tormented and oppressed by the Meiteis', KIMACS claimed that those who have been pulling out the victim card taking advantage of the prevailing communal conflict are plotting to break the unity and integrity of Manipur.

Denouncing the call raised for a 'separate administration' amid the tense situation where every possible efforts are being made to restore peace and normalcy in the State, KIMACS asserted that it will fight against all forms of forces which pose a risk to the integrity of Manipur and the peaceful coexistence of various communities.

In connection with the large number of illegal migrants who are taking refuge in the State, the society demanded that they should not be given the status of indigenous people at any cost.

With regards to this, KIMACS urged the authorities concerned to take up strong measures to safeguard the reserved and protected forests, wild life sanctuaries and to evict the illegal settlements and structures from these protected sites.

Further it called for strict legal actions against the poppy cultivators to ensure that poppy cultivation is stopped in the hilly regions in the larger interest of the people of the State.

In context with the frequent acts of vandalising the sacred sites of Meiteis, the society sought for adequate measures to put an end to such heinous and communal acts.

Lastly KIMACS appealed to provide equal responsibility to the State forces in controlling the law and order situation in the State so as to gain the trust of the indigenous people rather than giving full control to the paramilitary and central forces who have been alleged of supporting the SoO Kuki militants.

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