Indigenous Kuki People's Forum (IKPF) threatens to support bandh
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 20 2012:
The Indigenous Kuki People's Forum (IKPF) has threatened to support the ongoing bandh being imposed by KSDC in case the Government does not take up some concrete steps by November 22 towards bringing a political solution to the issue of Kukis.
Speaking to media persons at Manipur Press Club here today, IKPF general secretary Lian Gangte reminded that Kuki UG groups entered into SoO pact in 2005 .
Even though it is seven years since the tripartite SoO pact was signed, neither the Government of India nor the Government of Manipur has shown any interest in bringing a political solution for the Kukis of Manipur.
Pointing out that the existing SoO pact would expire on November 22, Lian Gangte said that IKPF would support the ongoing bandh if the Government of India does not take up some concrete steps by this date to work out a political solution for the Kukis in Manipur.
He went on to assert that Nagas, Kukis and Meiteis are all separate communities who have their own languages, cultures and traditions.
Even if the people should suffer, IKPF would support the bandh because neither the State Government nor the Government of India is listening to the demand of Kukis.
Any form of dialogue towards bringing a political solution to the issue of Kukis should be at the level of the Union Home Ministry if the dialogue is with the Government of India or at the level of Home Minister or Chief Secretary if it is with the Government of Manipur.
IKPF president RR Chothe alleged that Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam talked in a pro-Naga tone recently.
Though Manipur has three MPs, they never put up the burning issues of the State in the Parliament.
Asserting that the existing issue can be resolved only through dialogue, RR Chothe said that IKPF would take up necessary measures to protect territory of ethnic Kuki tribes before 'outsiders' take control of the said territory.
He also sought support of indigenous Kukis, Nagas and Meiteis in the IKPF's efforts.