Kuki CSOs warn against resettlement plan of Meeteis
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, September 30 2024: In a memorandum submitted to the chief secretary during his visit to Moreh town on Monday, Kuki Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) emphatically rejected any proposed resettlement policies aimed at relocating Meeteis to hill areas.

They stated that such initiatives would be met with fierce resistance, asserting that the Kuki people will "fight tooth and nail" against any forced implementation of these policies.

In the joint memorandum, Hill Tribal Council (HTC) Moreh, Kuki Inpi Tengnoupal (KIT), Kuki Women Union & Human Rights (KWUHR), and Kuki Students' Organisation (KSO), Moreh, expressed their strong stance against resettlement, describing it as an unwanted and unacceptable measure that threatens their rights and way of life in the hill regions.

The CSOs also called for immediate and total withdrawal of state police commandos from Moreh, alleging incidents of violence and atrocities committed against tribal individuals and destruction of homes since May 3, 2023 .

They contended that presence of the state police commandos instils fear in the community and undermines their sense of security.

Additionally, the memorandum also reiterated their demand for a separate administration for the Kuki people.

With ongoing tensions and a lack of improvement in the situation, they stressed the urgency for a political solution in the form of a Union Territory with a legislature under Article 239(A) of the Indian Constitution.

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