Kangleipak Kanba Lup appeals
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 03 2022: Kangleipak Kanba Lup (KKL) has come out against the Vice Chairman of All Manipur Tribal Union, Letsei Haokip's stand to contest in the ensuing 12th Legislative Assembly election from two Assembly Constituencies i.e Wangkhei and Heingang AC.

In a statement, KKL asserted that Letsei Haokip's move cannot be viewed as just another intending candidate jumping into the electoral fray.

KKL added that "Haokip daring to stand for elections capitalising on the large number of tribal voters in what are essentially sociologically speaking 'Meitei areas' but constitutionally speaking 'general' constituencies whereby anyone from India can come and contest, duly sanctified by the Election Commission of India does not augur well keeping the fragile relationship between the tribal groups and the Meiteis in mind" .

The statement further clarified that KKL would not have objected if Meiteis had been declared as a Scheduled Tribe making the valley constituencies reserved like those in the hill areas or the MLR&R Act was also made applicable whereby a two-way flow of population between the valley and the hill areas can be permitted.

As such, KKL appealed to Kuki Inpi Manipur to look into the matter and thereby prevent any future strain this might cause in the Meitei-Tribal relationship in Manipur.

Comment