'Self Govt call has no legal basis'
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 16 2023: Apparently referring to the recent statement issued by ITLF (though not mentioned) regarding its decision to set up self-Government/separate administration in Kuki-Zo dominated areas whether the Government of India acknowledges it or not, the State Government has categorically stated that the particular statement has no legal or Constitutional basis.

Speaking to media persons at DIPR conference hall this evening, Government spokesman and Education Minister Th Basantakumar remarked that the irresponsible statement appears to be motivated and aimed at vitiating and disturbing the law and order situation in the State.

A meeting of the ruling legislators was held today and they strongly condemned the ITLF's statement.

Appropriate legal action is being initiated against the ITLF and persons concerned, he said.

Notably, during a rally held at Churachandpur yesterday, ITLF general secretary Muan Tombing said that the Kuki-Zo people have been demanding a separate administration for the past six months but nothing has been done in this regard.

He said that they would set up a self-Government of their own regardless of whether the Government of lndia recognises it or not if their demand is not addressed within the next couple of weeks.

On being enquired about the Government's action on a false/concocted historical textbook of Class XI prescribed by COHSEM, Basantakumar said that the factually wrong textbook was prescribed earlier but it has been reviewed by a COHSEM Textbook Review Committee headed by Prof N Joykumar as chairman and rectified based on historical facts.

Hill Areas Committee Chairman Dinganglung Gangmei was also present at the press meet.

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