'Sadar Hills not an issue between Nagas and Kukis'
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, October 18 2011: Kuki Students' Organisation (KSO), General Headquarters has categorically stated that the Kukis have no qualm over the UNC's demand for 'Alternative Arrangement' for the Nagas within the state of Manipur, provided the 'Alternative Arrangement' does not impinge upon the traditional lands of the Kukis and due respect is accorded to the Kukis' customs, land rights and traditions.

In a statement issued by its information and publicity department, the student body pointed out that Nagas and the Kukis have always been living together in contiguous and overlapping areas in most of the hill districts of Manipur.

So, a solution for the political grievances of one should not be at the expense of the other.

Observing that Kukis have always respected the aspirations of their Naga brethren, and had not made any negative comments/remarks on any movement launched by Naga social organizations, KSO said it would like to request their Naga brothers not to communalise the Sadar Hills issue.

The Sadar hills district demand is not a new issue; it is an issue which has spanned decades and 'it islimited only to a contiguous geographical area and is not an issue between the Kukis and the Nagas'.

Hence, any attempt to communalise the issue is truly unfortunate and bereft of any logic.

The demand for upgradation of Sadar Hills to a full-fledged district is only for administrative convenience.

Even if the demand is granted, the benefits and privileges that a full-fledged district entails will accrue not only to the Kukis alone, but also to others who reside in Sadar Hills areas, KSO asserted.

Comment