Kut body decries retraction by Govt
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 02 2016:
With the last minute change of mind of the State Government with regard to the declaration of Sadar Hills as a district, the District Level Chavang Kut Celebration Committee (DLCKCC), Sadar Hills has categorically stated that creation of Sadar Hills district would not pose any threat to the territorial integrity of Manipur.
Speaking to media persons by the sideline of Chavang Kut celebration yesterday at Brigadier Thomas Ground, Kangpokpi, DLCKCC Sadar Hills chairman Lunthang Haokip said that the issue of Sadar Hills district is almost 40 years old.
There were a series of agitation which sometimes entailed large casualties.
Saying that he has been working as a member of Sadar Hills District Demand Committee (SHDDC) for the past many years, Lunthang Haokip decried that the State Government changed its mind at the 11th hour even after Chief Minister Okram Ibobi and Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam gave a concrete assurance a few days back to finally declare Sadar Hills as a full fledged district due to objections raised by the United Naga Council (UNC) and some other organisations and at the threats of some MLAs who allegedly said they would resign from their respective posts.
The demand for district status to Sadar Hills is not for Kukis exclusively.
"We are not demanding a Kuki district.
There are Nagas, Meiteis, Gorkhas and other communities in Sadar Hills.
Sadar Hills is located within the territory of Manipur and we are all Manipuris.
No community can claim Sadar Hills as their exclusive domain", Lunthang Haokip said.
The demand for creation of Sadar Hills district is aimed at ensuring administrative convenience and uniform development across the State.
It is rather unfortunate that a particular community has been obdurately opposing the popular demand, he decried.
Even though Chief Minister O Ibobi, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, IFC Minister Ngamthang Haokip, Yamthong Haokip and Nemcha Kipgen were invited to the district level Chavang Kut celebration, none of them turned up.
Nonetheless, the festival was celebrated with much fanfare and gusto.
As usual, the district level Kut celebration also featured Sadar Hill Miss Chavang Kut Contest 2016 and number of dance and music programmes.
Sadar Hills ADC Chairman Haokholal Hangshing, Vice-Chairman Thangkham Misao and Senapati DC C Arthur W attended the opening ceremony of the festival as chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.
Comment
