Amidst escalating tensions among the general public and growing apprehensions about adverse circumstances facing the Kuki-Zo people in the ongoing ethnic persecution, the Kuki Inpi Manipur, the apex body of the Kuki tribes in the region, has written to the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, appealing earnestly for the safety and security of the Kuki-Zo people.
In a representation submitted on Wednesday amidst massive democratic protests across Kuki-dominated Hill districts, the Kuki Inpi Manipur informed that the recent arrest of five Kuki-Zo individuals, including a juvenile, has sparked widespread outrage among its community.
"While the Meiteis are openly brandishing sophisticated arms and ammunition without the least consequences, the arrest of five Kuki-Zo individuals is a betrayal of our sincerity and commitment towards law enforcement efforts by the Government of India. There is an unequal and discriminatory regime in the hills (where AFSPA is under force) and plains (where it is most needed but lifted)," said Ch. Ajang Khongsai, President Kuki Inpi Manipur.
"Correspondingly, the biased actions of central security forces colluding with Meitei militias in these arrests and targeted intimidation of our people are deeply regrettable and can only worsen the law and order situation in the Manipur region," he added.
In that regard, the Kuki Inpi Manipur has sought a few points to the Prime Minister's Office for his kind perusal and needful intervention. With regard to law and order situation, the Kuki Apex Body urged that law enforcement agencies must duly consult with the Kuki Inpi Manipur for coordination and cooperation in law enforcement efforts of various government agencies.
On the incidents of arrest of any Kuki-Zo individual by law enforcement agencies on statutory grounds, it demanded that the arrested individuals must be handed over to the District Police of either Kangpokpi or Churachandpur and must never be taken to the valley districts under any circumstances.
The Kuki Inpi Manipur also expressed its strong disapproval of the appointment of Meitei Army and Police officers as Operational Commanders due to documented cases of biased conduct detrimental to the rights of the
Kuki-Zo people. Similarly, the home-posting of almost all Meitei officers in armed forces who are relentless to terrorise the Kuki-Zo people is greatly disquieting to our community, it stated.
The Kuki apex body urged that the five arrested individuals must be unconditionally released as the arrest was arbitrary and highly partial against the Kuki-Zo people, which might trigger protest movements and might be disruptive to effective enforcement of law and order in the region.
KIM's President Ch. Ajang Khongsai also informed that the violence in Manipur, which has persisted for more than a year, has had adverse and devastating effects on the Kuki-Zo people. "It has brought education to a standstill, with many Kuki-Zo students becoming victims of the educational policies of the Meitei authorities, including the non-declaration of examination results and the withholding of educational certificates," he said.
Ajang Khongsai further stated that the economic blockade of the hills, especially in Kuki-Zo areas by the Meiteis, the limited availability of only one 9-seater helicopter service from Churachandpur to Aizawl, subject to seasonal restrictions and frequent landslides, the lack of development funds, and the obstruction of local efforts to build roads and bridges are critically alarming issues faced by the Kuki-Zo population due to Meitei aggression.
"The exploitation of state machinery against the Kuki-Zo people grossly contravenes constitutional values and principles," he alleged.
Alleging that the repeated targeting, arson attacks, and unwarranted arrests have highlighted the systemic failure to protect Kuki's lives and properties, the Kuki Inpi Manipur asserted that establishing a distinct administration would ensure the protection of their rights, foster a sense of security, and pave the way for harmonious coexistence by addressing the unique needs and aspirations of the Kuki people.
As the Kuki-Zo people continue to bear the brunt of targeted ethnic oppression orchestrated by the Manipur state government, the Kuki Inpi Manipur requested, with a fervent hope in the Prime Minister's capable administration, to expedite the ongoing political dialogue with the Kuki-Zo SoO groups for lasting peace and stability in the region, and to safeguard the rights and privileges of the Kuki-Zo people as equal citizens of the country.
The Kuki apex body urged PM Narendra Modi to recognize the necessity of a solution and take decisive action to establish a separate administrative setup, thereby ushering in a new era of peace, prosperity, and harmony in the Manipur region.
Meanwhile, Sit-in protests were held across all the hill districts dominated by the Kuki-Zo people against the arbitrary arrest of Kuki Village Volunteers by security forces, followed by a 12-hour Total Shutdown. The protests were held in the districts of Kangpokpi, Chandel, Tengnoupal, Churachandpur, Pherzawl, Tamenglong, etc., endorsed and supported by all civil society organisations of the Kuki-Zo people.
The Hills Journal
K. Salbung, Churachandpur
Manipur-795128
