ITLF memo seeks political solution
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 08 2024: Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF) has submitted a memorandum to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi seeking his intervention to secure an immediate political solution to the ongoing violence in the state.

Emphasising the necessity of fulfilling the political settlement as stipulated in the Congress party's manifesto, the memorandum stressed that justice is the cornerstone of any lasting resolution and expressed trust in Rahul Gandhi's leadership to bring an end to their sufferings and help them achieve justice as quickly as possible.

Mention may be made here that Congress, in its election manifesto for the Lok Sabha election 2024, promised to "appoint a reconciliation commission to bring about a political and administrative settlement that would be satisfactory to all the people of the State".

The leader of opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi visited relief camps in Churachandpur district on Monday as part of his daylong tour to the state to interact with displaced people.

It was the second visit of Rahul Gandhi to Churachandpur after outbreak of violence on May 3, 2023 .

Travelling by road, he reached Churachandpur town around 2.30 pm and was given a rousing welcome at the Sadbhavna Mandap relief centre, Tuibuong by leaders of the Congress party.

Currently, 98 relief centres are operating in the district providing shelter to 14,611 IDPs.

At the relief centre, he was welcomed by Congress leaders and members, as the public gathered tried to have a glimpse of the opposition leader hoping that he would address their issues.

While interacting with the IDPs, Rahul gave a patient hearing to their grievances, followed by interacting with the displaced children.

He also met with student bodies and CSO leaders, during which several memorandums were submitted by Kuki Students Organisation (KSO), Zomi Students Federation (ZSF), Kuki Khanglai Lompi (KKL), Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF), Zomi Council Steering Committee (ZCSC), All Manipur Christian Organisation (AMCO), and Kuki Women Human Rights Organisation (KWHRO).

Among others, a delegation of ITLF led by its chairman Pagin Haokip and general secretary Muan Tombing met the LoP and submitted a memorandum demanding an immediate political solution "to break the cycle of violence and atrocities in Manipur".

The memorandum detailed dire situation faced by the Ku-ki-Zo community, absence of a supportive state government, and called the current administration hostile and favouring a specific community.

The security situation remains perilous despite over a year of violence, with Kuki-Zo citizens continuing to face threats and attacks from militant groups with weapons obtained from across the border or looted from state armouries, mentioned the memorandum, adding that the said groups have openly declared their intention to either kill the Kuki-Zo people or drive them out of their lands.

The violence has had devastating effects with almost 7000 homes destroyed, nearly 200 Kuki-Zo lives lost, 360 places of worship demolished, and about 20,000 people displaced, said the memorandum while pointing out that essential commodities, including medical supplies, have been blocked from entering Kuki-Zo areas for over a year, severely impacting the quality of life.

The internally displaced people face frequent shortages of relief materials and amenities, it informed.

Further stating that development activities have come to a standstill, and public utilities in Kuki-Zo areas have not been repaired, the memorandum claimed that the valley areas not only continue to receive state support but the valley people also caused damage to public utilities like electricity.

Connectivity issues are also exacerbating the situation, forcing residents to travel over 350 km to the nearest airport in Lengpui, Mizoram, affecting central competitive examinations and emergency medical care.

Unreliable helicopter services, with limited seats and frequent cancellations, further complicate matters, ITLF enumerated in the memorandum.

With the Kuki-Zo unable to travel to the state capital, the state government is using this opportunity to conduct mass job recruitments, resulting in lost job opportunities for the Kuki-Zo people, ITLF said while alleging the state government of being partisan.

Additionally, students, particularly those in technical fields, have been adversely affected as major centres of learning and head offices are located in the capital.

The memorandum underscores the urgency of an immediate political solution to break the cycle of violence while asserting that the Ku-ki-Zo minority will never be able to live a dignified and safe life jn Manipur again.

As such achieving socio-economic and political goals requires the fulfilment of the political settlement outlined in the Congress party's manifesto, with justice being the cornerstone of any settlement, it stressed.

ITLF, on behalf of the Kuki-Zo people, also congratulated Rahul Gandhi and expressed their gratitude for his continued leadership of the opposition in the Lok Sabha.

They appreciated his efforts to end the violence in the state and bring peace.

"The Congress Party has consistently supported the welfare of all Indians, particularly the oppressed tribal people.

Also, we appreciate that you have selected Alfred Kanngam Arthur to represent our grievances during this tragic and difficult period," the memorandum said.

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