ITLF plans rally, sticks to demand
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, June 20 2024:
Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF), in the light of the on-going crisis in Manipur, reiterated its demands to the central government.
A press release issued by ITLF media cell spokesman Ginza Vualzong said "To further press for the establishment of our political demand, Union Territory under Article 239A for the Kuki-Zo people of Manipur, ITLF intends to hold a non-violent demonstration on June 24, the day when the first session of Lok Sabha is scheduled to begin.
The aim of the rally is to expedite the political demands as the Kuki-Zo people have not yet received a political solution in-spite of the loss of countless lives, homes and properties" .
It further said that "No Autonomous District Council (ADC) elections should be held", adding that the announcement of ADC elections by the Manipur government is just another tool used by the administration to create division amongst Kuki-Zo tribals.
"We have demanded separation from Manipur and so far, there has been no settlement to our political demands.
Therefore, people are requested not to participate in the ADC elections," Ginza Vualzong said.
Regarding the Free Movement Regime (FMR), the spokesman recounted that ITLF has written to union home minister Amit Shah on June 24, pleading him to reverse the decision to remove FMR along the border between India and Myanmar.
He said: "ITLF strongly advises against participating in any FMR related activity by all government departments like the forest, PWD, Horticulture and SDOs.
In case someone is discovered taking part in any FMR activities, they will be held accountable for any unfortunate eventualities" .
"The tribe that resides on both sides of the international border is likely to be split apart by FMR and border fencing, which will have a detrimental effect on a number of longstanding family customs," he stated.
While demanding to establish buffer zone for Jiribam from the Ministry of Home Affairs, ITLF stated: "Violence against the Kuki-Zo people in Jiribam continues...
The tribal people are not safe from the Meeteis and as such, there should be a buffer zone similar to other hill districts to safeguard the life of the people in Jiribam" .