No need to associate with Kukis: Aimol TU
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, August 21 2023:
While declaring that the Aimol tribe is neither involved nor has plans to get involved in the ongoing conflict, Aimol Tribe Union (ATU) Manipur president S Munthuireng advised Kuki Inpi vice president to refrain from trying to impersonate as the president of Aimol Tribe Union, Manipur and associate the tribe with the Kuki community.
Aimol tribe will continue to be Aimol, Munthuireng affirmed.
Addressing media persons at Manipur Press Club here Monday, Munthuireng termed as extremely unfortunate that Kuki Inpi vice president RT Akhil Aimol, who identifies himself as the president of Aimol Tribe Union, has been speaking about the tribe (Aimol) in the media and trying to drag in the tribe in the on-going conflict.
Stating that the Aimol is a small tribe but is not involved in the conflict in any manner, he raised concerns that Akhil Aimol's misdemeanour could invite attacks on the minority tribe.
Further stating that there is no issue on Akhil, who is an Aimol, in joining the Kuki Inpi, he, however, clarified that Akhil must not be recognised as a leader of Aimol tribe.
In addition, Akhil Aimol must clarify his statements given to the media, the ATU president demanded, adding that it will soon convene a meeting to initiate strict action against RT Akhil Aimol for trying to mislead the tribe.
Clarifying that Aimol is not related to Kuki in any way, the Union president said that Aimol is one of Naga sub-tribes and will make its best efforts to protect the integrity of Manipur and restore peace to the state.
Munthuireng also strongly condemned the statements made by KKL member L Muhindro denying the indigenous status of Aimol tribe during a TV discussion programme on August 19.As such, Muhindro must apologise for his statements through the media, the Union president demanded, while advising Muhindro to look up the pages of Cheitharol Kumbaba, wherein the Aimol tribe is clearly mentioned.