GoI is well aware of our demands, says KNO Spokesperson; Seeks support of KNO-UPF decision

The Spokesperson of Kuki National Organisation (KNO), Seilen Haokip, has said that the Government of India is well aware of the 'Separate Administration' demands made by the Kuki-Zo people and has given them assurance of satisfactory resolution.

"Government of India is well aware of our demands and has assured its full support in an expeditious and satisfactory resolution of the issue," Seilen said.

KNO Spokesperson also sought the support of all members of the Kuki-Zo community to the decision of KNO and UPF to open NH-02 with the objective of creating an atmosphere conducive to expediting talks and restoring normalcy.

Claifying his position in the wake of a message that has been circulating on social media in his name with details of some confidential meetings of Kuki Zo leaders with senior political functionaries of Government of India and Assam, Seilen Haokip said that the issue of lifting blockade on NH-2 has the potential to create misunderstanding and controversy besides hampering communal harmony.

"It is true that our elected representatives and CSO leaders and SoO groups have been frequently meeting senior functionaries of Governments of India and Assam to convey our position on the prevailing security scenario in Manipur and trust deficit between the Kuki Zo and Meitei communities," he said.

Seilen said: "Keeping in view the above assurances, senior officials urged the Kuki Zo leaders to reconsider their blockade imposed on NH-02, so as to restore peace and normalcy. As a gesture of good faith, it is incumbent on all of us to support this endeavour. The opening of National Highways, despite our anguish, is a step towards the said objective."

The Spokesperson further said that although there was general consensus on lifting the blockade amongst the Kuki Zo leaders, the Civil Society Organisations were reluctant to lift the blockade. Therefore, the responsibility fell on Suspension of Operation (SoO) groups who have been constantly struggling for rights of the Kuki-Zo community, he said.

Seilen reiterated that the lifting of blockade was done with the objective of ensuring uninterrupted supply of essential commodities to all parts of the State and alleviating the plight of people in general.

"Concerned authorities briefed important leaders of the community on the above lines. The facts reflected in the social media post have been quoted out of context," he added.