ITLF leaders to Meet UHM Amit Shah on Monday

A 4- members delegation of the Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF) will reportedly meet the Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, on August 7 in the national capital, New Delhi.

The delegation team includes Muan Tombing, Secretary ITLF; Ginza Vualzong, Spokesperson ITLF; Letpu Haokip, Executive member ITLF and Thangzamang, Executive member ITLF.

On Saturday, the Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, had reached out to the Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF) of Manipur, and invited for a crucial meeting scheduled to take place in the national capital, sources said. The ITLF, in response to the pressing call, hastily organised an emergency meeting to address the matter at hand.

An ITLF leader said that upon deliberation, and following consultations with Mizoram's Chief Minister Zormathanga, the ITLF has concurred to meet with the Union Home Minister on Monday.

Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the ITLF sought the counsel of Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga, who in turn advised the forum to accord due importance to the request made by a key figure within the Indian administration. Zoramthanga reportedly emphasized the significance of engaging directly with Inida's Home Minister to address their concerns of the prevailing situation in the State. With preparations in motion, the members of the ITLF are anticipated to embark on their journey to the capital this evening, marking a pivotal step in the ongoing discourse.

When query about the reason for meeting with the Union Home Minister, one of the leaders said that the ITLF did not have any idea as to why they were being called to the national capital for a meeting by the Home Minister. However, it was reportedly believed to be about the controversy surrounding the proposed funeral site, which was put on hold for five days from August 3. The Home Ministry has assured the leaders of ITLF to solved the issue within a week's time period.

The ITLF on 3rd August had proposed for mass burial of Kuki-Zo tribal martyrs at S. Bualjang village, near Haolai Khopi, in Churachandpur district. Amid a strong opposition from the valley community over the proposed burial site, the Home Ministry intervened and convinced the ITLF leaders to differed the burial ceremony for five more days, which the ITLF had agreed to comply after having written assurance given by the ministry to fulfill their 5-points demands.

Accordingly, the burial ceremony was called-off for the day, wherein only condolence service for the departed souls were held with full honour and tribute.