Kuki chiefs endorse separate State demand
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 24 2023: The Kuki Chiefs' Association Manipur (KCAM), in its consultative meeting held on July 13 fully endorsed the demand for a separate State made by the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) .

In a statement issued to press, the KCAM pledged firm support and cooperation for fulfilment of the collective demand of the Kukis to ensure self-governance within the ambit of the Indian Constitution.

The Kukis enjoyed absolute freedom over their territory long before the coming of the British colonialists in India, it claimed.

The benevolent Kuki chiefs' dominion over their land, and the administration in social and political spheres in conformity with the age-old customary laws and traditions, mark the uniqueness and sanctity of the indigenous Kukis' history, it said.

In defence of their ancestral land and freedom, the Kukis fought against the British for three consecutive years, 1917-1919 which evidenced the Kukis' patriotism, valour and their love for freedom.

Moreover, in their zeal and hope to restore freedom, and in a bid to have a separate State of their own, 180 Kuki warriors had joined the Indian National Army (INA) under the leadership of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and fought alongside the Japanese forces in WW II .

Nevertheless, after India attained independence from the yoke of the British, the enormous sacrifices and contributions of the Kukis had been watered down, resulting them into statelessness.

In the wake of denial and apathy on the part of the Government of India, the Kukis had submitted its first memorandum to Jawaharlal Nehru, then Prime Minister of India in 1960, for granting of a separate State to the Kukis.

In view of the existential threat in the ongoing violence, the KCAM shall continue to fight for the cause of the Kukis by extending all possible help to the KIM until a separate State is achieved.

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