UNLF calls for upholding unity, integrity-II
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, February 09 2024:
Continued from previous issue
A close look into the current conflict shows the policies of the community, who came and settled here in the last three centuries, trying to disintegrate the nationhood built over the course of three thousand years.
This is a challenge to the 14/15 indigenous communities of Manipur.
A journey back to the history also shows that the dream of some Thadou Kuki people does not hold any ground.
The present generation will never let fall apart the boundary of Manipur drawn by the blood of the forefathers.
This is the pledge of the people of Manipur, and the UNLF as well.
It will join hands with the people, organisations, and armed groups to uphold this territory.
Ibis has become an integral part of the liberation movement.
The statement called upon the people of Kuki-Zo to stay away from the suicidal poli-cies of some Kuki extremists and stand for a united Manipur with mutual respect, it also asked the Kuki people not to allow PS Haokip from Akhen village of Nagaland's Phek district, and not to join force with ZRA president, who was born in Tonjang village of Myanmar's Chin State and who is hell bent on disintegrating Manipur.
It is high time for the sane people of Kuki community to take a step back before it is too late, it appealed while adding that Manipur is a natural entity of valley and hills.
The natural and geographical unity is something inseparable.
The hills cannot exist without the valley and vice-versa.
In this situation, seeking "Separate Administration" to the Government of India will not bring what they want.
UNLF cannot ac-cept any proposal for disintegrating Mani-pur, especially when a political talk is in process to regain the lost independence.
Nobody, whether it is Kuki or the Gol, has the right to alter the national boundary of Manipur, which was there at the time of force merger into India in 1949.The June 18 Uprising sent a clear message in this re-gard, it added.
The statement also enquired if there is a secret agenda behind the current conflict.
There are reports of Kuki being used as a means in geo-politics.
Enjoying the status by Kuki extremists will only worsen the situation.
There is nothing about "our likes or dislikes", as the Front will take the stand to defend Manipur and Meitei community, in line with its responsibility of 'fighting for liberation of people and protection of public lives and properties'.
The statement also emphasised on the need for making a united strategy for the Meiteis to go forward in the conflict.
It is the time to leave aside differences and join hands in the larger interest of the community.
The Front will always uphold its slogan 'Coexistence and inclusive development'.
Understanding the conflict of interest among the indigenous communities of Ma-nipur, UNLF feels that the indigenous communities are of same race and are interdependent on one another in terms of econ omy and societal norms; we should work together to uphold, conserve and protect the unique identities, culture and traditions of all communities, especially for the small er communities; and we should promote the unique identities of fraternal communi-ties and build a united identity.
These ideals should be the way forward to uphold and protect the identity and integrity of Manipur.
This will give the space for every community to uphold and promote their identities and culture.
Nobody should do anything that will threaten the identity of smaller communities as the liberation movement is to protect the unique ethnic identities and UNLF strongly supports autonomy of every community in its ethnic policy.
In conclusion, the UNLF and its armed wing MPA paid honour to the martyrs, irrespective of parties, who made supreme sacrifices while defending the integrity and identi-ty of Manipur, It also conveyed appreciation and respect to parties, who are proactively taking part in the conflict between Meitei and Kuki-Chin-Zo communities, organisations, village volunteers, Arambai Tenggol forces, people, and Meira Paibi Lups.
(Concluded) .
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