KSDC sticks to proposed Kuki State map, to resume public blockade from Dec 14 evening
ASEAN Car rally to be boycotted, 'Pat in 33 AD' tag on Imphal
Source: The Sangai Express

Lamka, December 11 2012: Close on the heels of the Kuki National Organisation refusing to append its signature on the extension of the SoO pact, during a meeting held at New Delhi on December 5, insisting on a written assurance that a political dialogue would be initiated soon, the Kuki State Demand Committee has decided to resume the public blockade from December 14 .

The public blockade was first imposed from November 17 to November 22 and was suspended after Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam convinced the KSDC that all efforts would be made to initiate a political dialogue under the SoO pact.

Apart from imposing the public blockade along the major highways in the State, the KSDC has also decided to boycott the ASEAN car rally, which is scheduled to arrive at Moreh on December 15 morning.

Addressing the media at Churachandpur district headquarters today, the KSDC said, "Not a single car participating in the ASEAN Car rally shall pass beyond Moreh into Kuki territory within India until concrete steps are taken up by the Government of India towards according due Constitutional recognition to our rights over our land and to govern our own affairs" .

Proposed map of Kuki State

Asserting that they have no obligation to uphold India's commitment and honor unless the issues of their land and rights are settled to their satisfaction, the KSDC said they shall not consider anything less than a statement by the Government in Parliament during the ongoing session.

A statement, they said, which will communicate the Government's willingness to initiate political dialogue with them and the Kuki insurgents on a predetermined date soon after the Parliament session.

"Reiterating our demand for a separate Kuki State, to be carved out of the Kuki traditional lands incorporated within present day Manipur, we will launch a mass movement beginning at 5 pm of December 14, 2012 in pursuit of our demands,' said George Guite, the KSDC's information and publicity secretary.

Responding to queries from the media, the KSDC Chairman said, 'We have lived on our land since time immemorial and it is beyond the authority of anyone to question it" .

On the contention raised from some quarters that Kukis are foreigners, he merely quipped that people need to learn history and the reality.

The now christened Imphal valley was merely a 'PAT' (lake) in 33 AD, he said.

He said the civil mass protest will bar commuting in any form on the major highways but will not affect activities within the district or towns.

The highways that will fall within purview of the blockade are, Imphal to Ukhrul; Imphal to Tamenglong; Imphal to Moreh; Imphal to Chandel; Imphal to Senapati; Imphal to Churachandpur and Imphal to Jiribam.

Only the Press and Media, Medical, Electricity and Water supply will be exempted from the blockade's purview, said George.

The KSDC also declared that they stand by the Kuki State map.