Start dialogue or face blockade : KSDC
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 01, 2013: The Kuki State Demand Committee (KSDC) has warned the Government that it would reimposethe suspended public blockade in 'Kuki areas' if the Government fails to hold a political dialogue with Kuki militants atthe earliest.

On the other hand, besides inducting Rev Lalkhawlien Pulamte to the post of vice-president (Administration) of its central executive committee, the KSDC has also formed its district committees, consisting of seven members each to be headed by a chairman.

The chairmen of the district committees have been named as Lhunkhothang Khongsai (Churachandpur), Jangkhohou (Ukhrul), Nehminthang (Tamenglong), Boipu Tuboi (Sadar Hills in Senapati) and Thangtong (Chandel).

KSDC had imposed public blockade in 'Kuki inhabited areas' in the State for several days on and off since November 17 last year in pursuit of its demand for the creation of a separate Kuki State within Manipur as well as to start a political dialogue with Kuki groups under the Suspension of Operation pact.

The latest public blockade was suspended on January 28 after Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh assured the committee that initiatives would be taken up for holding political dialogue with the Kuki militant outfits which are signatories of SoO with the Government.

In the presence of KSDC leaders, Ibobi Singh, on that day spoke to Union Home Minister over the phone and the latter assured to hold political dialogue with the Kuki militants groups under SoO soon.

These groups are also fighting for creating a separate Kuki State.

During the just concluded 5-day stir, bandh supporters, besides torching a truck, also damaged over twenty vehicles in 'Kuki areas' particularly along Imphal-Dimapur and Imphal-Silchar highways, the key supply routes of landlocked Manipur.

People were also forced to cough up Rs 80 to Rs 100 for a litre of petrol in the grey market in Imphal as all fuel outlets across.

Imphal valley remained closed.

Former Intelligence Bureau (IB) Director PC Haidar will head the Central team in the ensuing political dialogues between the Centre and Kuki militant groups.

The official process undertaken by the State and Central Governments for political dialogue with the Kuki militants under SoO including KSDC is highly appreciated, said KSDC information and publicity secretary S George Guite in a statement released today.

"Let the political dialogue start at the earliest time as per the assurance given by the Government to avoid the restoration of indefinite public blockade which was temporarily suspended a few days back," warned the statement.

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