Abstain from forceful occupation of tribal lands: KNF-N
Source: The Sangai Express
Kangpokpi, April 07 2021:
The non SoO Kuki militant outfit, Kuki National Front-Nehlun (KNF-N) censured the Government order in connection with field verification and necessary measurements for Sacred Site of Lord Koubru and Lai Pukhri at Koubru Hill range.
The outfit Information and Publicity Secretary, Gou@Kuki said that Saitu Gamphazol SDO on April 5 issued an order in connection with the proposal for declaration of Sacred Site of Lord Koubru and Lai Pukhri located at Koubru Hill range as protected site stating that a team from the Art and Culture Department, Manipur will be visiting the location for field verification and necessary measurements on April 8 .
He said that the order of Government disrespect the land rights of the tribal communities and violate the human rights as well as the Indian Constitution Article 371C, while adding that the State Government is attempting to forcefully impose revenue department in the tribal land wherever they prefer which clearly exhibits the intention of an illegal attempt to seize and occupy the tribal land using various laws and acts to contain the pressure of the Meetei community or organisations.
He maintained that Mount Koubru was a Sacred Site for the Kuki community as well as narrated by our forefathers and we believed in the oral tradition.
But, ever since the Kuki tribe adopted the Christianity faith, we could no longer consider the Koubru range as a Sacred Site anymore while adding that it cannot be considered as a Sacred Site for any other community as well if the land owners do not accept or agree to establish it as a historical Sacred Site.
He continued that we sincerely appeal the State Government to stop its attempt to illegally and forcefully seize tribal land rights.
If the Government is truly committed and represents all the communities of the State including the tribal communities and the Kukis in particular, it will definitely stop such illegal and forceful attempts, he asserted.
Gou@Kuki further said that the Kukis had many rituals, monuments and sites in the hills and Mount Koubru is one among it while adding that we pay respect to such faith, monuments and sites and has been protecting such sites till date.
The outfit Information and Publicity Secretary pointed out that KNF-N was established with an aim to safeguard and protect the ancestral land of the Kukis which was bequeathed to us by our forefathers prior to the formation of the Union of India.
We do not welcome invisible natural object religion including the Koubru Lai to profess anymore within the premises of our land and we also oppose the revenue act of any Government acts imposed forcefully in favour of one community or organisation, he added.
He opined that the Government shall abstain from such intention to breach the peace and tranquillity amongst different communities of the State while adding that the Government cannot be inconsiderate towards the genuine tribal rights especially the Kuki people sentiments.
The outfit also stated the Government should stop such illegal seizure of tribal land which can cause communal contention and stop forceful declaration of Sacred Site of Lord Koubru and Lai Pukhri at Koubru range as protected site.
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