The Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum has warned the valley dwellers that the Kuki Zo have reach a point where any further instigation will be met with a befitting reply
ITLF issued a release on Tuesday in response to the provocation by Meiteis to the Kuki Zo by sabotaging the only power line that supplies electricity to Churachandpur and Pherzawl leading to a complete blackout in the districts for almost a week
ITLF stated that since May 3, 2023, the Meitei community has blocked all goods from entering Kuki-Zo tribal areas, including essential commodities and life-saving drugs.
The release stated that the Meiteis on Feb 1, 2024, upped their dirty game by sabotaging the only power line that supplies electricity to Lamka (Churachandpur) and Pherzawl, two Kuki-Zo tribal districts, leading to a complete blackout for almost a week. This is a community devoid of humanity, it added
ITLF reminded the valley areas that power lines for the capital Imphal run through tribal hills, National Highway 2 – the main supply line for all goods entering the valley – goes through Kuki-Zo areas, and most of the source of water for the valley comes from the hills.
“We have not taken any drastic action despite being repeatedly attacked by Meitei militants like Arambai Tenggol and UNLF because of humanitarian considerations and to avoid a further escalation of the conflict which could cause a humanitarian disaster. But we have reached a point where any further instigation will be met with a befitting reply” says ITLF
There were three lines which supplied power to Lamka (Churachandpur) and Pherzawl, but two were destroyed by Meitei miscreants in June, 2023 stated the release and added that the remaining line was also sabotaged on two previous occasions before the Feb 1 incident
Due to the damage to the 33KV main line near Moirang, the Kuki Zo had recently gave ultimatum to the state to restore the line or they will disrupt the line passing over the dominated area.
It is learnt that the Manipur government is presently repairing the damage and trying to restore electricity in Churachandpur, according to a press release of the of Manipur state electricity board.
However, it also cautioned the Meitei radical organisations not to go into the treacherous terrains as the tribal volunteers can cause similar damage to electricity infrastructure in the Imphal valley
