The Kuki inpi Manipur (KIM) has said that that "there is now total separation of the Meiteis and the Kukis" and as such, it is imperative that the central government should constitutionally recognise this 'separation' at the earliest without any further delay.
The statement came after the last Kuki-Zo families in New Lambulane, Imphal, were forcibly evacuated from their houses to the Kuki-Zo inhabited hills of Kangpokpi district, in the night of September 1, citing safety and security reasons.
KIM said: "At this critical juncture, the Kuki Inpi Manipur reiterates its demand for Separate Administration as it strongly entreats the Government of India to expedite meaningful, honourable political dialogue with the KNO/UPF under Suspension of Operation (SoO) for justice, peace, and lasting solution in the region."
In a press communique issued on Saturday, the Kuki Inpi Manipur stated that it was aghast at the dastardly attack against the last of the Kuki-Zo volunteers (numbering about 24 men) who have been guarding the houses and properties of the Kukis at New Lambulane, Imphal, from the intermittent arson and looting of the boorish, bloodthirsty Meiteis. The volunteers were later escorted by security personnel and have safely reached our land despite the dread of the barbaric Meitei attack.
KIM's Information and Publicity Secretary, Janghaolun Haokip alleged that besides the compelling evacuation of the people, all the Kuki settlements have been looted, vandalised and torched by the Meiteis.
"The only viable solution to the ongoing state-sponsored ethnic cleansing against the Kuki people lies in the total separation of the two communities -Meiteis and Kukis, the process of which has been completed in the aftermath of the evacuation of the remaining Kuki volunteers in Imphal last night," he added.
The Hills Journal
K. Salbung, Churachandpur
Manipur-795128
