Government must respect rights and privileges of tribals: KNF-N
Source: The Sangai Express
Kangpokpi, July 28 2021:
The non-SoO Kuki militant outfit, Kuki National Front (Nehlun) urged the State Government to respect the rights and privileges of the tribal people and immediately stop its plan and proposal to declare some portions of Kangpokpi District as Imphal West Revenue District without the consent of the people.
The outfit Information and Publicity Secretary, Gou @ Kuki stated that any plan or attempt to encroach the tribal land illegally would be a complete violation of the rights and privileges given to the tribal under Article 371C of the Indian Constitution and also Manipur Village Authorities Act, 1956 .
He recalled that KNF-N was established to safeguard and protect the Kuki ancestral land which was bequeathed to us by our forefathers before the formation of the Union of India and any act of the State Government under the leadership of N Biren Singh favouring a particular community while compromising the tribal land will not be tolerated at any cost.
The State Government must respect the rights and privileges of the tribal populace and avoid any sinister intention of illegally seizing and occupying the tribal land, asserted the militant outfit while adding that the continuous attempt to seize and occupy the tribal lands illegally would eventually bring unprecedented animosity and communal contentions between the hill and the valley.
It also stated that the Asian Highway expansion along the National Highway-2 under Kangpokpi district shall be executed respecting the landowner's rights while fair and justice compensation must be provided to all the affected victims.
KNF-N also urged the State Government to abstain from the ill intention of imposing revenue acts in the hill areas which can breach peace and tranquility amongst different communities in the State.
It also warned the State Government that the organization would not remain a mere spectator upon infringement of tribal rights in general and Kukiland in particular.