ZRO floats Southern Manipur Autonomous Territorial Council
Source: Chronicle News Service / Kaimuanthang Mangte

Churachandpur, June 30 2022: Leaders of Zomi Reunification Organization (ZRO) on Thursday convened a meeting in Churachandpur town and resolved to propose formation of Southern Manipur Autonomous Territorial Council (SMATC) .

Briefing the media after the meeting, MEA secretary (ZRO/ZRA) Ketheos Zomi recalled that the organisation entered into Suspension of Operation (SoO) with the government of India in 2005 to address and solve the political demands of the Zomis in Manipur state through a peaceful political process.

He further said that the tripartite SoO involving the government of India and Manipur were again signed under the banner of UPF and KNO in 2008 .

Ketheos Zomi then said that after several rounds of talks, the BJP and NEDA leaders offered for creation of an autonomous territorial council based on sixth schedule with BTC model on February 19, 2017 and the BJP central leadership showed their sincerity in their promise by appointing an interlocutor for SoO groups on July 27, 2017 .

Since then tripartite political talks have been going on smoothly, Zomi said, while noting the talks was in its final stage but due to ill luck a difference of opinion cropped up on the issue of naming the territorial council due to which a proposal was made further, which was finalised under the name of Southern Manipur Autonomous Territorial Council (SMATC) by UPF (Zomi) and HPC (D) after consultation with the people.

This will accommodate every community, both tribals and non-tribals who have been living together harmoniously in southern Manipur, Ketheos Zomi added.

He continued that the government is sincerely working towards peaceful conclusion of political talks with the SoO groups in Manipur.

To this end, the Manipur chief minister has expressed his desire to conclude the talks with the SoO groups at the earliest, he added.

Ketheos then appealed to all to refrain from misinterpreting the good intention of the government for peaceful, harmonious and equitable development and to usher in an era of vibrant administration in this strategically situated border state of the country.

He added that the talks is conducted within the parameters of SoO ground rules and the constitution of India, it is not a threat to the state's integrity.

Comment