ITLF, CoTU reiterate SA demand, FMR opposition
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, June 22 2024: As the state has been reeling under an ethnic conflict for more than a year, Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF) and Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) of Kuki community have reiterated their stand against the scrapping of Free Movement Regime (FMR) along the Indo-Myanmar border, and the demand for a separate administration.

In a joint statement, the two Kuki organisations maintained that scrapping FMR would forcefully separate blood relatives on both sides of the border.

They urged officials, contractors, and others to refuse participation in any FMR-related activities.

In addition to opposing the removal of FMR, the Kuki organisations also called on the Central government to expedite their demand for a Union Territory with a legislature under Article 239A .

A mass rally in support of this demand is scheduled for June 24 in Churachandpur, Pherzawl, Kangpokpi, and Tengnoupal districts, the joint statement informed.

They maintained that violence in the state will not end without a political solution that addresses the needs and aspirations of Kuki-Zo community.

They further maintained that the state government's decision to conduct Autonomous District Council (ADC) elections has further fuelled tensions.

They view this move as a deliberate attempt to create divisions among them.

Chief Minister Biren has been criticised for refusing to hold ADC elections since he came to power in 2017, while emasculating all bodies not directly under his control, they said and added that the sudden decision to conduct elections amidst the ongoing conflict is seen as an attempt to showcase division among them.

The two Kuki organisations called on the people of their community to boycott the elections unless their political demands are met.

It also stated that the recent violence in Jiribam district, which had remained peaceful for the past year, has escalated the tensions further.

They blame the Meetei community for attempting to destroy the remaining tranquillity in the state and requested the Central government to establish a buffer zone in the district.

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