'No designated camps in Kuki-Zo tribal areas'
Source: The Sangai Express
Kangpokpi, December 03 2023:
The Kuki-Zo bodies of Tengnoupal district hailed the 'peace agreement' between the Government of India and the Pambei led UNLF but opposed setting up of designated camps in Kuki-Zo areas.
The joint Kuki CSOs of Tengnoupal viz Kuki Inpi Tengnoupal, Kuki Chiefs Association Tengnoupal, Kuki Students' Organization, Tengnoupal, and the Hill Tribal Council Moreh acclaimed the 'Peace Agreement is a considerable success towards bringing the cadres of banned organisations to the mainstream.
The Kuki bodies stated that in the aftermath of the said peace agreement, it was learned that the proposed designated camps for Pambei led UNLF cadres will be set up at Kakching Khunou, Ingourok, Jiribam, Kwatha, and Moreh while boldy claiming that except Kakching Khunou, all others fall within tribal areas.
They also stated that the Kuki-Zo people of Tengnoupal hail the truce but cannot accept the inclusion of Kwatha, Moreh, Jiribam, and Ingourok as designated camps.
Sheltering militants in tribal-dominated hill areas will bring more harm than good, the Kuki-Zo bodies claimed.
It also stated that the Kuki-Zo tribals in Tengnoupal and Jiribam have been consciously and continuously restraining from reacting to the provocations from the Biren-led Government, but will not remain silent spectators and will oppose tooth and nail if there is such a plan to set up designated camps in Tengnoupal and Jiribam.
"Any designated camp for 'Meitei extremists' should be within the confines of the valley area," they said and cautioned that setting up designated camps in the hill districts of Jiribam and Tengnoupal will be seen as an act of intrusion and invite fitting backlash.