Kuki MLAs petition DoNER minister for NEC projects
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, June 01 2024: The 10 MLAs from Kuki-Zomi-Hmar communities who first raised the demand of separate administration within days of outbreak of the still to be resolved Meetei-Kuki conflict, have submitted a memorandum to the union minister of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), seeking urgent intervention to address the alleged neglect of development projects in the hill districts of the state - Tengnoupal, Kangpokpi, Churachandpur, and Pherzawl districts.

The MLAs expressed concern over the cessation of development works in these districts since the outbreak of ethnic violence between the Meetei and the Kuki communities on May 3, 2023.They pointed out that effective governance has been absent, adversely impacting development and administration.

According to the MLAs, funds for road construction and other infrastructure development, including the special development fund of Rs 1 crore per MLA per year, have been halted by the government.

They also alleged that the state's priority list submitted to the North-Eastern Council for the current year deliberately excluded the "Kuki-Zomi-Hmar districts," indicating a discriminatory policy.

The memorandum urged the Centre to prevent the state government from executing discriminatory policies and to include projects for the mentioned districts in the NEC Development Programme for 2024-2025 .

The MLAs emphasised the need to uphold the ideals of justice and equality enshrined in the Indian Constitution.

Manipur has been on the boil since a tribal solidarity march turned violent in Churachandpur district with participants targeting Meetei civilians in the district and adjoining Bishnupur district on May 3 last year.

In less than 10 days after the violence broke out, the 10 Kuki MLAs issued a joint statement demanding separate administration saying that "population transfer has been completed".

Over 200 people have been killed, thousands injured and tens of thousands displaced due to the violence.

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