ZUF denounces Kuki Map
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network

Tamenglong, December 04 2012: Coming out strongly against the demand for a Kuki State as raised by the Kuki National Organisation and other Kuki outfits which are under the Suspension of Operation pact, the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) has dubbed it as a 'hanky-panky adventure' .

Such a demand may be a by product of some calculated move by certain influential groups, alleged ZUF.

In a statement, ZUF said that the hill areas of Manipur like Tamenglong, Senapati, Ukhrul, Chandel and certain parts of Churachanpur district cannot be considered as the lands of non-Nagas though the Kukis and Nagas have been co-existing in the latter period of time.

Information secretary of ZUF, A Dangmei said that the Nagas have been the land owners since ages allowing other communities to co-exist on certain conditions such as payment of revenue against the lands used for tilling since then.

Kuki State Map

"The KNO is exposing their contemptuous attitude by displaying the Kuki State map involving almost all the lands of Naga inhabited districts of Manipur.

It is a folly on the part of the Kuki leaders concerned to succumb to certain outside influence targeting to derail the aspiration of the Nagas for geographical and emotional integration based on its unique history.

Brethren Kukis should not claim the lands of their friends in need or continue to act as the agent for others which may lead to further conflicts which had occurred twice in history.

We do not oppose any genuine demands of Kukis just as we expect support towards ours", Dangmei said.

The ZUF leader said that the outfit is obliged by circumstances to speak up in defence of what it stands for and to clarify position.

Haipou Jadonang Malangmei and Rani Gaidinliu in 1920's had shown the Zeliangrong opposition against foreign interference in the independent existence of the people.

The Nagaraj movement against the British imperialism sowed the seeds of Zeliangrong protection as well as Naga independence movement.

The pioneering indigenous movement in Tamenglong area also incorporated the fight for the rights of the people contributing towards Manipur and India who were revolting against the same alien power, he added.

The ZUF said it is committed to stick to its belief to defend the rights of indigenous lands and the people which cannot be compromised though they are not against other communities upholding their rights and aspirations.

"History cannot be denied that Kukis unleashed reign of terror in 1917 at the cost of innocent villagers who were ma"ssacred mercilessly and uprooted from their settlement in Tipaimukh and Henlep sub-division of the present Chura"chandpur district.

The Kukis refusing to go as labours to the Anglo-French war organized armed forces to harass the peaceful existence of Zeliangrong villages, namely; Montha, Pongshan Laorongpung, Rangkat, Lungulong (Lungthuleng) Daron (Kahnpi, Longsai, Lungchi, Monphei,(Songkong) and others.

Many new names like Pheibong, Lailong, Milongmun, Dongkeng (Old & New) etc were used in place of Zeliangrong indigenous village names & lands in Henglep and Tipaimuk areas.

We are aggrieved to note that Kukis have started jumping into the fire again by their ill will or under certain outside influence which is an approach to repeat the history of undeclared war or ethnic cleansing.

The 1990's saw such a conflict in the Zeliangrong areas as imposed upon by outside influence like NSCN(IM).

The Kuki Rebellion 1917 was also caused by un-thoughtful action on the part of the Kukis compounded with external instigation to tame the Nagas who refused to obey the diktats of British-Manipur kingdom," A Dangmei alleged.

"It is an earnest appeal to KNO to reconsider and exclude Zeliangrong lands from the preview of Kuki State demand so that no tension returns between Kukis and Zeliangrong people", Dangmei said.