SoO panel expanded to pursue demand
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 26 2011:
Along with re-christening the Committee on Friendship, Peace and Development, which used to work as a mediator between the SoO signatories Kuki UGs groups and the Government of India, as Kuki (Khulmi) Development Council Demand Committee, Manipur, the Committee has expanded its operation from today.
Talking to mediapersons at Molnoi in Pallel today afternoon, chairman of the Committee Yanglen Haokip informed that just like formation of Bodoland Territorial Council in Assam under the 6th Schedule of Indian Constitution, the Committee has worked out necessary strategies for similar formation in Manipur.
Pointing out that Kuki UG groups which are signatories of SoO have raised the demand for Kuki State, Kuki Homeland, Zomi Autonomous State and Territorial Council under 6th Schedule to the Government of India, Yanglen asserted that among all these demands, the demand for Territorial Council under 6th Schedule is most reasonable and possible as ground rules of SoO have clearly endorsed territorial integrity of Manipur.
In order to ensure fulfilment of this reasonable demand of Kuki Khulmis, the Committee has expanded its operation to Chandel, Sadar Hills and Churachandpur from today and necessary strategies worked out, he announced.
Yanglen Haokip further informed that the copy of the memorandum submitted to the Government of India in connection with the demand for formation of Territorial Council under the 6th Schedule too have been forward to the Chief Minister of Manipur and the Chief Secretary.
So, talks between the Committee and the State Government over this demand is expected very soon.
Pressures would also be exerted on the Chief Minister for taking up the issue for discussion in the upcoming Budget session of the State Assembly, he added.