Kuki Inpi Manipur bats for Kukis' interest
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 30 2019: Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) has warned against any impact to Kuki's land and the interest of the Kuki people as a result of the peace talks between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM).

Speaking to media persons at Kuki Inn today, KIM president Khaimang Chongloi said that a solution to the 22 years long Naga peace talk will reportedly reach a conclusion tomorrow and there is growing suspicion that a Pan-Naga Cultural Body or Autonomous Territorial Council for the Nagas of Manipur might be given as a solution.

This is unacceptable to the Kukis as they have been settled in the hills since time 'immemorial', he said adding that threats to the Kuki's land also resulted in the Kuki chieftain revolting against the British from 1917-1919.He claimed that when the merger of Manipur to India was brought up, the Kukis initially were against this but finally agreed to this term looking after the potential of growth and development.

The Kukis have been law abiding citizens of the country to this day, but they are socially, politically and economically backward in their own land.

They have also suffered and lost many at the hands of the NSCN (IM), he alleged.

He continued that the Kuki people have been pressuring the Central Government to refrain from reaching any solution to the Naga issue without consulting the Kuki people and the Interlocutor himself had even assured to consult the Kuki stakeholders in this regard as well.

The Naga solution cannot have a single impact on the Kuki's land and the interest of the Kuki people, the KIM president warned.

On the other hand, KSO General Head Quarters president Paotinthang Lupheng said that the failure of the Central Government to consult any of the stakeholders even though the solution to the Naga issue is just a step away, shows that the Centre has failed to present a just and non-biased decision.

The Government of India has failed to bring any kind of justice for the atrocities committed by the NSCN (IM) against the Kuki people.

Instead, the act of signing the Framework Agreement with the NSCN (IM) is a complete mockery of justice.

If the Centre wants genuine peace in the region, it must bring a solution to the Kuki political problem, he said adding that until and unless the Centre makes any positive stride in this regard, there will be no true peace and prosperity.

He also informed that various protest rallies were held at Kuki inhabited districts and sub division HQs demanding against any impact to the Kuki's land and their interest due to the Naga peace talk.

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