‘Our existence as a political entity is at stake,’ Manipur’s tribal body tells Rahul

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 8, 2024

Manipur’s tribal body- Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF) on Monday alleged that the political existence of the Kuki-Zo community is under threat in Manipur.

Gandhi on Monday visited several relief camps in Jiribam and Churachandpur and interacted with the inmates.

In a memorandum to opposition leader Rahul Gandhi during his visit to Manipur on Monday, ITLF chairman Pagin Haokip and general secretary Muan Tombing expressed that they do not perceive the current state government as supportive, alleging hostility and favouritism towards a specific community. They also accuse the BJP-led government of utilizing official machinery and non-state actors within the Meitei community, which they believe poses challenges to their own political existence as a distinct entity.

The memorandum said that despite over a year passing since the violence began, there has been no improvement in the security situation in Manipur. It highlights ongoing killings, displacements, and daily threats to citizens’ lives. Specifically, it mentions that Kuki-Zo homes and properties continue to be targeted, with significant destruction including almost 7,000 homes demolished, nearly 200 lives lost, over 360 places of worship destroyed, and approximately 20,000 people rendered homeless.

“As a minority community with fewer numbers and even fewer resources to protect ourselves, we are under constant threat of being attacked by militant groups like Arambai Tenggol and the proscribed UNLF, who have access to a large arsenal of weapons bought from across the border or looted from state armouries. They have openly stated that they aim to either kill all of us or drive us out of our lands,” they added.

As Rahul Gandhi arrived in Manipur after becoming the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, both Meitei and Kuki groups urged him to advocate for the people of Manipur. They requested that he raise their concerns in the upcoming Parliament session or any other competent forum to help restore peace and normalcy in the northeastern state.

In a memorandum to Gandhi, the Jiri United Committee (JUC) from Jiribam, represented by Chairman M. Maipaksana Singh and Convenor Priyananda Singh, urged him to raise his voice for the restoration of peace and normalcy in Jiribam specifically and in Manipur generally.

The JUC urged Gandhi to address their concerns regarding the abrogation of the tripartite Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement, which was signed between the Central government, the state government, and Kuki militant groups. The JUC claimed that Kuki militant groups have been collaborating with Kuki armed illegal immigrants during the current crisis in Manipur over the past 14 months, violating the ground rules of the SoO agreement.

The Meitei body also advocated for the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Manipur, using 1951 as the base year and said it would protect the indigenous people of Manipur and maintain a balanced demographic structure in the state.

The Meitei group further urged the Congress leader to advocate for the rehabilitation of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Manipur. They emphasize the need for reconstructing their destroyed houses and ensuring their safety and security upon returning to their respective places.