ITLF refutes WMC's allegations
Source: Chronicle News Service / Kaimuanthang Mangte

CCpur, June 22 2023: The Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF) has categorically refuted the allegations by World Meetei Council (WMC) that the Kuki-Zo tribals started the ethnic conflict in the state.

Reacting to WMC's charges levelled in a press conference held on June 20, the ITLF said it was chief minister N Biren's anti-tribal policies and Meetei community's demand for ST that led to an unbridgeable chasm between the Kuki-Zo and Meetei/Meitei communities.

The ITLF also clarified that there was no conspiracy or preparation for violence by tribals as was evident from loss of numerous Kuki-Zo lives at the hands of the Meetei mob in Imphal valley.

It also said that Kuki-Zo people do not Want more land and power as alleged by the World Meitei Council but are trying to protect Kuki-Zo ancestral lands.

The WMC's assertion that the Kukis burnt the An-glo-Kuki War Memorial as part of a larger conspiracy is absurd, the ITLF affirmed while claiming that the rally on May 3 was a peaceful one.

The burning of forest beat office was not related to the rally but was against the ST demand of the Meetei/Meitei community.

Meetei community keeps on labelling the Kuki-Zo as 'illegal immigrants' and 'foreigner' as if an Indian state is in danger of being taken over by foreigners, the ITLF said and posed how can Kuki-Zo people be termed as foreigners in their own land.

It also said that Meetei populace has been constantly fed with this type of false narrative over the past few years without knowing of the real history of the Kuki-Zo people and their contribution for the country since time immemorial.

The ITLF also claimed that there was an attempt to destroy a bridge near Kwakta at about 7.30pm by unknown miscreants which left three persons injured including a minor boy.

At about 7 pm too, a large number of Meetei mob was seen moving towards a village in Yaingakpokpi area under Kangpokpi district and firing at the villagers though no reports of any injury was there.

It said the Kuki Zo village volunteers defended their homes with their lives.

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