Kuki Inpi Manipur slams UNC
Source: The Sangai Express

Kangpokpi, May 12 2021: The Kuki Inpi Manipur rebuked the alleged objectionable statement of the United Naga Council over the untimely demise and burial of Professor Dr Nehginpao Kipgen who succumbed to the dreaded COVID-19 .

It stated that liberty taken by UNC in slandering the Late Dr Nehginpao Kipgen after paying heartfelt condolence was unexpected and unfortunate.

It continued that when our country and countries around the world are engaged in a pitched battle against the dreaded COVID-19 second wave and its mutant variants, the UNC neglecting the grim reality besieging us as a whole, chose instead to play dirty politics over the unfortunate death of the late Professor, revealing in the process their inhumane, moral bankruptcy, prejudice, blind hate and pride.

If the UNC considered itself to be an organisation of repute, it would not stoop so low as to play politics over the death, in a brazen attempt to gain a few brownie points, it added.

Kuki Inpi Manipur appealed to the UNC to study thoroughly the relevant provisions of the Indian Constitution dealing with the citizenship of our Nation, especially Part II of the Constitution (Article 5-11), before they make any outrageous statements, cast aspersions or raise ludicrous questions upon the legacy of anyone or any community-death or living.

Kuki Inpi Manipur also reminded the UNC that the late academician Professor Dr Nehginpao Kipgen, Executive Director, Center for Southeast Asian Studies (CSEAS), Jindal School of International Affairs, OP Jindal Global University was solemnly buried at Leikot village in Kangpokpi district and not in Senapati district as claimed by UNC in its statement.

It also reminded the UNC of the Resolution endorsed and passed by the General Assembly (107 Plenary meeting, 13th September 2007), 6/295 UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People, Article 36- wherein it is explicitly stated 'Indigenous peoples in particular those divided by international borders, have the right to maintain and develop contacts, relations and cooperation, including activities for spiritual, cultural, political, economic, and social purposes, with their own members as well as with other people across borders'.

The Kukis uphold their God given rights to their ancestral lands and do not recognise colonial international boundaries, it added.

The Kuki Inpi Manipur urged the UNC to refrain from mixing up condolence and political vanity in the future and to restraint itself from making outrageous questions upon the death, who can no longer defend themselves while adding that it will be prudent on their part if they could cultivate respect for the death irrespective of caste, creed and community.

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