CCSK condemns Ukhrul incident, questions
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 25 2016: While condemning in the strongest term the ambush on a Ministerial team led by Chief Minister O Ibobi at Ukhrul yesterday, the Committee of Civil Societies Kangleipak (CCSK) has raised a number of questions.

A statement issued by CCSK first asked whether the attack was carried out by militants or the civil society organisation (CSO) which called for a total shut down in Ukhrul in protest against the Chief Minister's visit.

If the attack was carried out by the particular CSO, the credibility of all CSOs would be brought under stringent scrutiny, it said.

On the other hand, if the attack was carried out by a militant group, they should have thought twice.

Manipur is a hill State inhabited by more than 38 different ethnic groups.

Even though there were some instances of conflicts and misunderstandings among the different ethnic groups, all the indigenous people of Manipur have been living together in harmony since ages.

The prohibition on the Chief Minister's visit to Ukhrul and subsequent violent attack are matters of serious concern.

Many people would like to ask whether the attack was driven by the hatred for the Chief Minister or grievances against his leadership.

On the other hand, the Chief Minister of Nagaland who has no say in the affairs of Manipur was accorded a warm reception.

The contradictory treatments meted out to the two Chief Ministers have many implications.

It is highly questionable whether majority of the people of Ukhrul district oppose the incumbent Chief Minister or whether it was a conspiracy of a handful people.

Again if the attack was carried out by the particular militant group, one would like to ask whether they are not under cease fire agreement with the Government of India, CCSK said.

"We simply cannot forget the collective endeavours of Hijam Irabot, MK Shimray (Tangkhul Long), Lunneh (Kuki National Assembly), Kangkhangai (Kabui Association), Teba Kilong (Khulmi Union), Dena (Mizo Union) and Shunlei Miya (Yairipok) for a united Manipur and the rights of the masses", it asserted. With a conviction to protect hill-valley unity, those leaders of yesteryears even resolved to set up a united platform of different political groups.

Attempts by the Nagaland based Naga National Council (NNC) to merge Mao and Ukhrul with the Naga Hills were vehemently objected by public leaders of the time.

Questioning Nagaland Chief Minister TR Zeliang's knowledge about the history of Manipur, CCSK said that the people of Manipur always welcome peace initiatives taken up between the Government of India and militant groups based in Nagaland.

However, all concerned should keep in mind that the people of Manipur would not remain silent if any solution worked out at the end of such peace initiatives infringes upon the territorial integrity and administrative boundary of Manipur.

Kohima (then known as Thibomei) was gifted away to the then Governor General of British India Lord Nortbrook on August 11, 1874 by Manipuri king Chandrakirti.

Territories which were under the rule of Manipuri kings were clearly pointed out in the painting "Domain of Mekele" painted by British officer Mr Renel Drafman in 1769 at Kolkata.

TR Zeliang was totally ignorant about these historical facts and people need not believe in fabricated stories, CCSK continued.

Asking whether the different Naga ethnic groups of Manipur have been recognised by the Government of Nagaland, CCSK recalled how the womenfolk of Mao were treated in a very hostile manner when they went to market their farm produces at Kohima and other places of Nagaland.

There are innumerable hill people who are fully committed to the integrity of Manipur and this is one fact which the Nagaland Chief Minister should always bear in mind.

Manipur is made up by hills and valley and there is a need to fight collectively against all challenges to the integrity of Manipur.

Manipuri people have not yet forgotten the pangs inflicted upon them when Kabow Valley was gifted away to Myanmar.

Manipuri people would not tolerate any fresh attempt to disintegrate Manipur, it added.

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