Demand for Khousabung subdivision gains momentum
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 23 2016: Strongly denouncing the Cabinet decision of Feb 10 that gave approval to rename Thangting SDO/BDO as Kangvai SDO/BDO, a joint meeting of village chiefs and Kuki Students' Organisation (KSO), Henglep, KSO, Leimata and KSO, Thangting today at Gothol village in Churachandpur district resolved to endorse the demand for renaming Thangting SDO/BDO as Khousabung SDO/BDO.

The meeting convened by the KSO units was attended by over 50 chiefs of the area.

Meanwhile, protest against the Cabinet decision renaming Thangting SDO/BDO as Kangvai SDO/BDO continued without any let up since Feb 11 under the aegis of Khousabung Sub-Division Demand Committee (KSDDC).

The protesters have been demanding the renaming of Thangting SDO/BDO as Khousabung SDO/BDO as per the wishes of the majority of the people covered by the new SDO circle.

A candlelight vigil underway at Khousabung village market shed

Protesters staged sit-in cum candle light vigil at Khousabung market shed for the 13th consecutive day today.

Kuki Khanglai Lompi (KKL) president Kamthang Haokip, secretary of Kuki Women Human Rights, Kimneihoi and social activist Mangcha Thangjom addressed the protesters tonight.

The KSDDC said that 117 chiefs out of 125 villages covered by the new SDO circle have endorsed the demand to locate the new subdivision headquarters at Khousabung.

Contrary to the wishes, the State Cabinet on Feb 10 gave approval to rename the Thangting SDO/BDO to Kangvai after it was mired in controversy over the name.

Contrary to the wishes of the people, the State Cabinet gave its nod to rename as Kangvai SDO/BDO.

The KSDDC had submitted a memorandum on Feb 11 to the Chief Minister urging him to review the Cabinet decision.

The KSDDC said that Kangvai is just about 8 kilometres from Churachandpur district headquarters and there is no need for a subdivisional headquarters there whereas Khousabung is located at the centre of the new SDO/BDO circle.

At the same time, the delegates of the meeting today at Gothol village expressed that no other elected representatives �be it MLA, MP of MDC, of the State might have received such number of petitions or signatures of village chiefs as the Henglep MLA received regarding the demand for locating the new subdivisional headquarters at Khousabung.

They strongly condemned the MLA's alleged undermining of the democratic voice of the people.

The chiefs today recalled the assurance given by the local MLA at his residence on Aug 3, 2013 wherein he said that the subdivision would be located at the place where majority of them want it to be.

They rued that he ignored the wishes of the people.

The meeting also resolved not to recognise or endorse any other subdivision demand committee of the area.

The chiefs also agreed to extend fullest cooperation to KSDDC in times to come.

KSDDC secretary, S Gouneu, meanwhile warned of intensifying the stir within couple of days if the Govt continues to allegedly ignore the democratic voice of the people.

"We are ready to intensify the protest anytime soon," he warned while adding that the State Govt should be held solely responsible for any outcome.