ITAC ridicules JAL fear on attack plans
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 22 2024: In response to July 18 press statement issued by Jiri Apunba Lup (JAL), Indigenous Tribes Advocacy Committee (ITAC) of Pherzawl and Jiribam Districts has issued a rebuttal against accusations of revealing plans by the Hmar-Kuki-Zomi groups to attack Meeteis in Jiribam.

ITAC described these accusations as unfortunate and condemned JAL for attempting to malign the image of the Hmar-Kuki-Zomi people.

In a statement, ITAC highlighted the historical presence and legitimacy of the Hmar Kuki-Zomi people as indigenous tribes, while asserting their status as hill house tax-paying tribes since British times.

Jiribam, recognised as a hill area since 1948, included tribal villages that preserved traditional chief systems and maintained tribal status, paying hill house tax for over a century.

In 1997, Jiribam became a sub-division under Imphal East district, and tribal villages continued to pay hill house tax until 2017, when the practice was abruptly stopped without explanation.

ITAC condemned this action as a violation of tribal land rights and an attempt to disenfranchise the Hmar-Kuki-Zomi people.

The committee asserted that they would defend their land and rights against all forms of aggression.

ITAC also highlighted recent violent incidents and their restraint following the killing of Seigoulien Singson on May 17 .

Despite the emotional outrage, the Hmar-Kuki-Zomi community refrained from violence, seeking a reasonable settlement.

Conversely, following the death of S Sarat, despite no concrete evidence implicating the Hmar-Kuki-Zomi people, Meetei people unleashed violence, forcing indigenous Hmar-Kuki-Zomi people to flee their homes, it maintained.

ITAC also accused state police of colluding with Meetei armed groups to attack Hmar-Kuki-Zomi villages, including Phaitol, Sejang, and Mongbung.

The statement called on JAL to abandon their "myopic vision" and embrace the truth.

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