Who are the narco-terrorists, asks KIM
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 05 2023:
: Who are the narco-terrorists? Eminent people like the CM...
or the SoO groups? asked Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) in a memorandum submitted to Prime Minister Narendra Modi today in an apparent attempt to counter and disapprove the narco-terrorism charge levelled against Kuki militants under Suspension of Operation (SoO) .
KIM's letter to the Prime Minister mentioned a few drug haul cases and accused the Chief Minister N Biren Singh of having "high-level international connections" with a "drug lord" who was arrested by Mumbai police.
"Ridiculous as is the projection of Narco-Terrorists laid on SoO groups, facts to the contrary have emerged in spite of the internet ban imposed by N Biren Singh," said KIM, mentioning a statement made by the CM and a few cases of drug haul.
"Govt against drug cartels, not Kukis: CM", said KIM quoting the statement as allegedly made by N Biren Singh.
KIM then cited a case in which "two Meiteis" were arrested by the Delhi Police Special Cell (SR) and an Indian Express report which allegedly stated that the CM was personally named in a case related to a drug bust made by MPS officer Brinda Thounaojam.
KIM also quoted another case with the Frontier Manipur as the source stating that "Aussie accused of Drug Peddling nabbed in Mumbai met with CM Biren two months before his arrest" .
"The million-dollar question is, who are the Narco-Terrorists? Eminent people like the CM of Manipur with the high-level international connection such as the Aussie drug lord, who was arrested by Mumbai police or SoO groups? This intensely complex matter could only be answered by the leader of the State and competent members of the CSOs, who, not satisfied by the numerous Kuki people already killed from May 3 in the heart of Imphal valley have announced that these tribals (a status they aspire to) are Narco-Terrorists and should be summarily eliminated!" said KIM.
It may be noted here that the people of Manipur have accused specifically the Kuki militants of conducting narco-terrorism against the people.
Meanwhile, KIM, in its letter, said narco-terrorism is a term that has gained popularity in Manipur among COCOMl, a Meitei Civil Society Organisation of apparent repute in their community, and N Biren Singh, CM Manipur Government.
The term has been levelled against the Kuki National Organisation and United People's Front, both Kuki umbrella organisations that are under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) with the Government since 2008 .
"The Kuki people are victims of the ongoing genocide, carried out by the Meitei groups, namely Arambai Tenggol and Meitei Leepun, spurred by their leaders, Biren Singh and Sanajaoba the titular Meitei king and MP Rajya Sabha.
The peace dividends of SoO are self-evident in the hills.
However, both the CSO and Government of Manipur have championed its abrogation.
The reason, because SoO talks with Government and a political settlement by way of Territorial Council, albeit within the State of Manipur would reinforce existing Constitutional protection of the minority tribal ownership of land, which constitute over 90% of the total area of the State," KIM said.
The gripe of the Meitei people that less than 10% of the State for 53% of the population in the valley is unfair is misleading, claimed KIM.
It alleged that the land carrying capacity of the lesser 10% is greater than the entire 90% that comprise vast ranges of hills that are "inhabitable" besides being unsuitable for cultivation.
Life in the alluvial valley is agriculturally easier, wieldy and exponentially profitable, it claimed.
"Overwhelmingly favourable, too is maximised Government's spendings on infrastructure and development concentrated in the valley.
Besides, notwithstanding 53% of the populace wield 40 seats of the Legislative Assembly with 8 plus I (CM's seat) out of the 12 Cabinet seats for the valley people.
However, there is no compunction about this skewed representation, and so, they, who already have Scheduled Caste 17% and OBC 29% affirmative benefits also want ST 7% reservation meant for tribals.
The demand, however, is not only for jobs benefits, but also to access lands in the hills.
"The pogrom continues unabated three months on.
Meanwhile, Nagas, who persist on their lands (mainly adjoining the Naga hills of Nagaland) to be a separate entity from Manipur, fortunately remain safe from the expansionists Meitei radicals," said KIM.
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