Ex-MNF fighters, Mizo bodies back Kuki State demand
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 08 2013: Various Mizo civil bodies including one set up by former cadres of the erstwhile rebel groupMizo National Front ( MNF) have whole heartedly backed the demand for the creation of a Kuki State raised by the Kuki State Demand Committee.

In pursuit of its demand the KSDC had imposed public blockade in 'Kuki inhabited areas' in Manipur for several days on and off since November 17 last year.

The last public blockade was suspended by the KSDC on January 28 after Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh assured to take up due process for holding political dialogue with the Kuki militant outfits which are signatories of the ongoing Suspension of Operation (Soo) pact.

The outfits are also demanding creation of Kuki State.

The Kuki state

"During the MNF movement, a large number of Kukis from Manipur and even from neighboring Myanmar had joined hands in the strenuous armed struggle and now our Mizo brothers (former MNF cadres living in Mizoram) have assured us to support our democratic struggle for creation of a separate Kuki State," KSDC's information and publicity secretary S George Guite said.

A KSDC statement released on Friday said the committee is watching and observing the steps taken by the Government for political dialogue with the Kuki militant outfits to arrive at a political solution.

"Time will take its course but if delaying tactic is adopted on the excuse of official procedures then the Government should be solely held responsible if the suspended mass movement and public blockade are resumed," it warned.

During the stir suspension period a KSDC team landed in Aizawl for wide range consultation on Kuki State demand issue, the statement signed by Guite said.

On Friday a consultative meeting under the aegis of Zo-Reunification Organization (Zoro) with representatives of various Mizo civil bodies Zoro central committee and zones, Mizoram Students' Union, Mizoram Chiefs' Council, MUP, MHIP and KSDC and intellectuals and former MNF leaders was held.

The meeting vehemently condemned the 'Kuki genocide' led by NSCN (IM) leading to the mass killing of 1000 innocent people, burning down of 350 Kuki villages and rendering over one lakh Kuki people homeless and the atrocities committed to the Kuki brethren in Manipur by the Meitei UGs by planting landmines killing and injuring many and ambushing Indian security forces in Kuki areas.

While resolving that Zoro will put up the case before the UN Human Rights Council in the forth coming Forum, the meeting decided to fully support the demand for Kuki State in Manipur, it said.

It also decided to exert pressurize from all levels, from the States to Centre, that a settlement to the Kuki issue should be brought about before any agreement is inked with the the Nagas /NSCN (IM).

"The Meeting with the Peace Accord MNF Returnee Association (PAMRA) was emotional as they recalled the time during the MNF movement and to show their solidarity endorsed to support the demand for Kuki State," it said.