KNO sets record straight on burial decision
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 12 2016 : The proposal to bury the nine tribal 'martyrs' on February 13 who were killed in the course of public agitation at Chura-chandpur in August and September last year against the three Bills passed by the Manipur Legislative Assembly on August 31 last year was made by KNO president PS Haokip and it was endorsed by civil organisations, KNO has stated categorically.

With a view to facilitate proper burial of the martyrs, the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and United Peo- ple's Front (UPF) had a meet-ing on February 7 .

At the joint meeting, a resolution was passed to bury the mortal remains of the nine 'martyrs' following consultations with JAC, JPO and the Inpi groups.

Subsequently, a meeting was held at the Kuki Khang-lai Lawmpi (KKL) complex on February 9, moderated by Aaron Kipgen and Thangboi Haokip, both from UPF, PS Haokip president KNO and Thangboi Kipgen chairman UPF.

LT Hmar working chairman HPC (D) delivered speeches on the need to bury the mortal remains of the martyrs based on agreement among all stake holders.

Total shut down being imposed on a street of Churachandpur

John Pulamte president Hmar Inpui, as the representative of the Inpi groups, stated their collective decision to perform the last rites for the nine 'martyrs' .

As called upon by the moderator, PS Haokip, in his second round speech proposed February 13 for bury- ing the mortal remains, which was overwhelmingly endors-ed by the respective organi- sations with a 'show of hands' .

The resolution of KNO and UPF on February 7 was to consult the civil organisations concerning burial of the martyrs but setting a date for the burial was not an agenda.

However, the proposal of February 13 was made by PS Haokip, which was endorsed by the civil organisations.

"KNO and UPF served their consensual purpose to consult the civil organisations; the civil organisations accepted the proposed date of burial made by PS Haokip", claimed a statement issued by the KNO.

It is a serious anomaly that a section of a tribe, or a few individuals, should negate consensus reached amongst the concerned organisations, armed and civil.

Negation in this circumstance is not against PS Haokip, but against the democratic decision of the public with a view to monopolise a mass-based movement, it asserted.

It is unfortunate too that one group of UPF posted a contradictory statement after the meeting at KKL Complex, where consensus was reached amongst all stake holders.

Evidence for the proceedings is on video record.

Any interested entity may avail the video, it asserted.

K Guite, advisor ZRO concluded the august meeting at KKL Complex with a fitting benediction.

As for the press release published under the heading 'No decision on burying martyrs', the KNO alleged that neither JAC members nor members of JPO had a single meeting to pass such a resolution.