ITLF decries COCOMI rally, calls for SA
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, June 28 2024:
In response to a rally organised by Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) to protect the state's integrity and counter the Kuki-Zo community's demand for a separate administration, Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF) issued a statement denouncing the rally and reiterated its demand for a separate administration.
In the statement, ITLF decried the rally, stating that some of the participants were seen shouting hateful slogans, which the Kuki-Zo organisation termed as the proof of deep-rooted animosity between the Meetei and Kuld-Zo communities.
According to ITLF, Meetei have driven them out of Imphal valley, resulting in deaths, destruction of places of worship, burning of thousands of homes, and displacement of thousands of Kuki-Zo people.
ITLF stated that the Kuki-Zo and Meetei cannot coexist and called for total separation as the only solution for peace.
It demanded the central government to grant the Kuki-Zo a separate administration in the form of a Union Territory with a legislature under Article 239A, which they believe will bring justice to their community.