Home Ministry advises State Govt to sensitise security forces on Kuki memorial stones issue
Source: The Sangai Express
New Delhi, November 01 2019:
Anticipating possible flare up in the State of Manipur and Nagaland over the words inscribed on the "Anglo-Kuki War" memorial stones, the Home Ministry, Government of India has advised Governments of both the States to sensitise security forces to prevent any unwanted incidents.
Despite the agreement reached between the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) and Government of Manipur to replace the controversial words inscribed on the memorial stones, the Home Ministry noted that strong reactions have been noted from the Kuki UG outfits and Kuki CSOs.
Reportedly, NSCN (IM) has instructed its cadres/sympathizers to dismantle the stones, if the State authority fails to act in favour of Nagas who have been demanding removal of the stones, said a statement of the Ministry issued by A Radha Rani, Deputy Secretary to Government of India urging both States' Governments to 'sensitise' the security forces to prevent any flare up.
It may be noted that the "In defence of our ancestral land and freedom" inscribed on the Kuki memorial stones was met with strong objection from many communities and organisations.
Many had asserted that the "Anglo-Kuki War" was not a war but Kuki 'rebellion' against the British.
KIM had agreed to replace the word "ancestral land" with "dignity" .