KSDC releases proposed 'Kuki State' map, defers blockade stir to November 17
'Map' covers huge chunk of areas in Ukl, Tml, Cdl, Spt
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 14 2012: Apart from postponing the proposed 'public blockade' from November 15 to November 17, the Kuki State Demand Committee (KSDC) has released the proposed map of 'Kuki State' covering more than half of Manipur's territory spread over five hill districts.

The map covers Churachandpur district, Sadar Hills in Senapati and large chunks of territories in Tamenglong, Chandel and Ukhrul districts.

Incidentally, Senapati, Tamenglong, Chandel and Ukhrul have been covered under the proposed map of Nagalim.

The KSDC has also decided to postpone the start of the proposed 'public blockade' from November 15 to November 17 .

The blockade is to be enforced on National and State highways passing through Kuki-inhabited areas in Manipur .

Incidentally Imphal - Dimapur and Imphal-Silchar highways, the key supply routes of land-locked Manipur, pass through numerous Kuki-dominated areas.

The proposed map of 'Kuki State' covering more than half of Manipur's territory spread over five hill districts

"In public interest owing to 'Ningol Chakkouba', the biggest festival of Manipur women that falls on Thursday and on request from different civil bodies of the State, we have resolved to defer the date by two days.

Now we will begin our stir from Saturday evening," said KSDC general secretary Benjamin Mate.

Benjamin reiterated that the stir will continue until the Centre gives an official assurance that political dialogue involving it (KSDC) and Kuki militant groups which are currently under the Suspension of Operation (SoO) pact will start on a prearranged date to discuss the demand for a separate Statehood for the Kukis.

He also warned of launching 'Quit Kuki land' movement if the Centre fails to heed the Kukis' legitimate and democratic demand.

"Our demand is legitimate and democratic and it can be implemented under the provisions of the Constitution of India," said Benjamin at a hurriedly organised media conference at Churachandpur headquarters about 65 kms from Imphal.

On being asked about Manipur Deputy CM Gaikhangam's strong stand that Manipur cannot be divided into pieces, Benjamin said "He (Gaikhangam) is bound to say that as the Deputy CM politically but our demand is very much legal and legitimate" .

Stating that Kuki-Chin-Mizo is the second largest community linguistically in the North East after Assamese, Benjamin said the proposed map of 'Kuki State' (within Manipur) also covers 350 Kuki villages evicted during what he termed as 'NSCN (IM) -led Kuki genocide of the 1990s" .

He said the committee has not yet received support from any international community in its line of demand.

A separate statement of the KSDC titled 'Public Appeal,' which was published in the local paper here today said only Medical, Electricity, Water Supply and Media will be exempted during the public blockade or bandh, reports our CCpur correspondent.