AMUCO blames ethno-exclusivist aspirations
Roll back creation of Kangpokpi district call raised
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 07 2023: The All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation (AMUCO) has blamed the ethno-exclusivist political aspirations of the Kuki-Zo community for the protracted violence besieging in Manipur.

AMUCO has also demanded dismantling of Kangpokpi district.

Kang-pokpi was declared a full fledged district out of Senapati district on December 8, 2016 much against the stand of the Nagas and the United Naga Council.

Six other districts were also created on the same day including including Teng-noupal and Pherzawl.

AMUCO blames ethno-exclusivist aspirations

A memorandum submitted by AMUCO to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah through Governor Anusuiya Uikey asserted "...the ongoing violence can be traced back to an unfortunate manifestation of ethnic jingoism rooted in the ethno-exclusivist political aspirations of the Kuki-Zo community" .

It is not an exaggeration to state that ethno-centric politics has cast a shadow over Manipuri society, leading to an unfortunate violent outcome and political instability.

The Indian State is yet to identify a comprehensive solution to address the diverse ethno-exclusivist political aspirations of numerous communities in the North Eastern region, it said.

It is imperative to recognise that lasting peace can only be achieved by discouraging and addressing ethnic-based politics through appropriate policy interventions, read the memorandum.

"We must work collectively to promote unity, inclusivity, and harmony among all communities in Manipur, ensuring the state's continued prosperity and stability", AMUCO said.

The recent resurgence of violence and turmoil in Manipur has disrupted the relative peace of the State.

This unsettling state of affairs commenced on May 3, 2023, following the Tribal Solidarity March in Churachandpur district.

The catalyst for this unfortunate turn of events was the initiation of three gover- nance-positive initiatives by the Manipur Government:
1.War on Drugs: An effort to combat the drug menace in the region
2.Eviction of Illegal Encroachers: A drive to reclaim Protected and Reserved Forest areas, including sacred sites and wildlife sanctuaries, from illegal encroachers
3.Detection of Illegal Immigrants: An initiative to identify and address the issue of illegal immigration in the State, AMUCO enumerated.

Regrettably, these Constitutional initiatives were perceived as anti-Kuki by ethno-centric militant organisations representing the Kuki-Zo community and supporters, as they were seen to impede their interests, it pointed out.

The All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation (AMU- CO), a civil society organisation committed to the integrity and peaceful coexistence of indigenous communities in Manipur, firmly believes that a collective political aspiration, coupled with its unimpeded implementation, is the only viable solution to the current conflict and violence, it said.

To put an end to the prevailing hatred, savage animosity, and senseless violence, AMUCO placed eight demands before the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister.

The demands are;
1.Immediate cessation of armed violence: A cessation of all forms of armed violence to halt the ongoing bloodshed and suffering.
2.Peace process and resettlement measures for Internally Displaced Persons: The initiation of a comprehensive peace process, alongside implemen- tation of measures to rehabilitate and support inter- nally displaced persons affected by the recent violence.
3.Amendment to the Indian Constitution, Article 3: A proposal for the amendment of Article 3 of the Indian Constitution by inserting a clause to safeguard the territorial integrity of Manipur and to provide legal protection against future attempts at division.
4.Immediate implementation of National Register of Citizens (NRC): An expedited implementation of NRC in Manipur to identify and address the issue of illegal immigrants, thereby ensuring the State's security.
5.Ending the formation of ethnic-centric political units by constituting a District Reorganisation Committee: Cessation of the formation of ethnic-centric political units based on ethnic boundaries, including: a) Any form of separate administration
b) The dismantling of Kangpokpi district (formerly SADAR Hills)
c) The reorganisation of Bishnupur district
6.Creation of Special Administrative Zones:
a) Establishment of a Moreh Special Administrative Zone
b) Establishment of a Beihang Special Administrative Zone
7.Protection and conservation of community/Reserve Forests: Strengthening the Manipur State Darbar Resolution of 1932 to protect and conserve community and reserve forests and promote environmental sustainability.
8.Eradication of narco-trade and poppy cultivation: Development of effective mechanisms to eradicate narco-trade and poppy cultivation in Manipur, addressing the root causes of these issues.
The memorandum also gave a detailed account of Manipur's modern political history, its secular, democratic, and pluralistic character that prevailed before its merger with the Dominion of India in October 1949 .