'Kuki traditional lands should not be encroached in alternative arrangement'
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network

Imphal, October 18 2011: The Kuki Students' Organisation-general headqurters ( KSO-GHQ) says the Kukis do not mind the " Alternative Arrangement" for Nagas within the state of Manipur, but the arrangement should not encroach upon the traditional lands of the Kukis and due regard should be given to the community's customs, land rights and traditions.

The Kuki students' body informed Newmai News Network today that any issue concerning the political aspiration of a community in the state no matter how legitimate or genuine the case might be, should not be granted without the consent and prior approval of the Kukis.

It further says the Union Government and the state Government should not forget the three major demographical groupings of the state � the Meiteis, the Nagas and the Kukis and a hasty decision taken with an apparent bid to appease one or the other will only be counter-productive.

The Nagas and Kukis have been living together in contiguous and over-lapping areas in most of the hill districts of Manipur.

A solution for the political grievances of one should not be at the cause of the other.

The Kukis have no qualms in the United Naga Council (UNC) demand for 'Alternative Arrangement' for Nagas within the state of Manipur, provided the 'Alternative Arrangement' does not impinge upon the traditional lands of the Kukis and due respect should be given to the community's customs, land rights and traditions, says KSO-GHQ on Tuesday.

It also says the KSO-GHQ would like to request their 'Naga brothers' not to communalize the Sadar Hills issue, while adding that the demand for upgradation of Sadar Hills to a full-fledged district is only for administrative convenience.

Even if the demand is granted, the benefit or privilege of a full-fledged district will get not only by the Kukis, but all those residing in Sadar Hills will also avail, says the Kuki students' organization.

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