KOHR calls for peace in NE states
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, July 12, 2013: In an open memorandum submitted to Chief Minister Okram Ibobi today, Chairman of Kuki Organization for Human Rights (KOHR) T Lunkim has called for peace and normalcy in the north-eastern states of India for survival of indigenous people, particularly in Manipur.

The memorandum mentioned that different communities in the region have been living in peace and harmony since time immemorial.

However, the annexation of the once independent north-eastern region popularly known as "Independent Hill Country" by the British led to disintegration of the region under the policy of "divide and rule".

Furthermore, the Regent Queen of Tripura and King of Manipur were forced to sign the Merger Agreements with the Indian Government in 1949 undermining the democratically elected Governments of the two Kingdoms.

It further said that the British colonialists divided the indigenous Kukis linguistically, ethnically and geo-politically as "Chin" for Eastern Kukis, "Lushai" for Southern Kukis and "Thadou" for other remaining Kukis.

The Kukis bravely fought on behalf of the indigenous people against the invading British.

The north-eastern states are becoming a "Killing field" as remarked by UN Rapporteurs as "Second Kashmir".

There has been instigation of one ethnic group against another, factional fights within the same ethnic group, naming of new states in a particular tribal name to cause further fights, it noted.

The memorandum further mentioned that the proposals to take over the Centuries old Royal Palaces of Manipur and Tripura and to convert them into museums as though already owned by the Government, and removing the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulations Act introduced on August 27, 1873 are another revelation for taking over the former "Independent Hill Country".

Furthermore, the Organization condemned MLA Dr I Ibohalbi for his remark in the State Assembly on removal of "Any Mizo" and "Any Kuki" from among the official list of 33 Scheduled Tribes of the State.

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