Disqualify 10 separatist Kuki MLAs: CPI-MSC
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 27 2024: The ten Kuki MLAs, who violated the Constitution by openly demanding a separate administration do not deserve to attend the upcoming session of Manipur Legislative Assembly and as such, should be disqualified either before the commencement or during the session, Communist Party of India-Manipur State Council (CPI-MSC) ex-secretary L Sotinkumar has stated categorically.

In a press meet held at CPI's office, Irawat Bhawan, here, on Saturday, Sotinkumar said that a state executive meeting of the party was convened on Friday with regard to the prevailing political scenario in the state.

During the meeting, four resolutions were adopted, which included demand for special status for the state, adoption of a firm resolution during the upcoming assembly session to protect the integrity of the state, non-participation of the separatist Kuki MLAs in the session, and making the present status of SoO, which expired on February 29 this year, clear to the people.

He continued that even if the speaker and the chief minister had invited the ten Kuki MLAs to attend the assembly session set to commence on July 31, they should be disqualify if the other members of the House objected to the same.

It is questionable why these ten MLAs are receiving the benefits of an MLA or minister when they violated the Constitution by openly demanding for a separate administration, he remarked, and called for immediate disqualification of the MLAs.

Meanwhile, the SoO inked between the Kuki militants groups and the central government expired on February 29 this year.

However, the centre is yet to make it clear to the people whether the agreement is still in effect or not, or about its present status.

Under SoO, the militants are provided a monthly honorarium, food and other facilities.

However, the SoO cadres, instead of honouring the agreement and staying at their designated camps, are taking the lead in the current conflict.

Thus, strict action must be taken up against the SoO violators, he stated, while stressing that the agreement must not be extended at any cost.

Observing that the agenda for a separate administration seems to be gaining momentum, Sotinkumar said that huge funds have been drawn from the Tribal Affairs and Hills to construct a bridge between Chandel and Churachandpur.

Once this bridge is completed, steps will be taken up to carve out a new territory of their own from Moreh to Chandel and from Churachandpur to along Thangjing hill range.

Meanwhile, the government, for whatever reason, is unable to stop the same.

Additionally, the government needs to establish a Highway Protection Force along NH-2 and NH-37, which has been left inaccessible to the Meetei people, he said, while urging the government to take a firm stand in the upcoming assembly session to protect the territorial integrity of the state.

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