ITLF raises objection to establishment of UNLF designated camps in Kuki-Zo areas; Urges GoI to protect Kuki-Zo community

Condemning a move to establish UNLF's designated camps in Kuki-Zo areas, the Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF) has said that it was a calculated effort to fulfill the ongoing agenda to eliminate the Kuki-Zo community, and urged the centre government to act decisively to safeguard the lives of the Kuki-Zo people.

In a statement on Monday, Ginza Vualzong, Spkesperson of ITLF, said that the Peace Agreement between the UNLF (Pambei) and the Central and State governments has introduced a new threat to the Kuki-Zo community, as media reports and social media sources indicated that the government was considering establishing designated camps for the UNLF (Pambei) in various locations within the Kuki-Zo hills, such as Kakching Khunou, Ingourok, Jiribam, Kwatha, and Moreh.

The Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF) condemned the move, seeing it as part of a larger agenda by the Meitei government to endanger the existence of the Kuki-Zo people. "The selection of Kuki-Zo Hills for the designated camps is perceived as a calculated effort to fulfill what appears to be an ongoing agenda to eliminate the Kuki-Zo community," Ginza said.

In a historic move on November 29, 2023, the United National Liberation Front (UNLF)- a previously banned outfit - signed a Tripartite Peace Agreement with the Government of India and the State of Manipur. ITLF stated that such a momentous development, long envisioned by Chief Minister N Biren Singh, has, however, sparked concerns regarding the safety and well-being of the Kuki-Zo people.

"It has come to light that Chief Minister N Biren Singh's alleged connections with Meiteis' underground outfits, including the UNLF, are no longer a secret. Disturbing reports suggest that the state government has facilitated the safe passage of UNLF cadres and other Meiteis' underground groups from Myanmar to Manipur. Shockingly, these militants are allegedly involved in activities targeting the Kuki-Zo people," ITLF said, and urgently appealed the Central Government to act decisively to safeguard the lives of the Kuki-Zo people.

The tribal body alleged that recent attempts to deploy state forces in Kwatha, Tengnoupal district, were viewed with suspicion, possibly indicating preparations for the arrival of UNLF (Pambei) cadres, thereby putting the Kuki-Zo people at significant risk.

It also said that the Chief Minister N. Biren Singh's selective support for the Meiteis Peace Talk, coupled with the withdrawal from the Tripartite talks with the KNO/UPF, raised questions about his commitment to peace in Manipur.

The ITLF urged the Central Government to recognise the gravity of the situation and the already deeply divided separation by considering establishing a Separate Administration for the Kuki-Zo people and providing them with a secure administration to live without fear of annihilation by the Meiteis.