Imphal: 10 elected legislators representing the Chin-Kuki-Mizo-Zomi hill tribals of the Manipur Legislative Assembly in a press note addressed to the Union of India have sought for a Separate Administration under the Constitution of India to live “peacefully as neighbours with the Sate of Manipur.”
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A press statement signed by all the tribal legislators accusing the existing Government of Manipur said, “the unabated violence that began on 3rd May, 2023 in Manipur perpetrated by majority Meiteis tacitly supported by existing Government of Manipur against the Chin-Kuki-Mizo-Zomi hill tribals has already partitioned the State and effected a total separation from the State of Manipur.”
It further said the Chin-Kuki-Mizo-Zomi can no longer exist under the current Manipur State, categorically pointing out the “hatred against the tribal community,” which it claimed have “reached such a height that MLAs, ministers, pastors, police and civil officers, laymen, women and even children were not spared, not to mention the destruction of places of worship, homes and properties.”
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“To live amidst the Meitei again is as good as death for our people,” the 10 Manipur legislators maintained.
“Therefore, as elected representatives of our people, we today represent the sentiments of our people and endorse their political aspiration of separation from the state of Manipur,” the press statement said.
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While the 10 tribal legislators said they have decided to hold a “political consultation” with their people at the earliest regarding further steps to be taken by us as a people, they also argued that the State of Manipur miserably failed to protect the Chin-Kuki-Mizo-Zomi people.”
Manipur chief minister has maintained that the reason for the ethnic violence is due to misunderstanding and communication gap” in a video he published on Social media.
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It may be noted that Imphal, Moreh, Bishnupur, Churachandpur and Kangpokpi in Manipur State witnessed one of the deadliest ethnic violence that spiraled into killings, vandalism and arson between the two communities in thirty years.
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The 10 legislators:
- Haokholet Kipgen,
MLA, Saitu AC - Ngursanglur Sanate
MLA, Tipaimukh AC - Kimneo Haokip Hangshing
MLA, Saikul AC - Letpao Haokip
MLA, Tengnoupal AC - LM Khaute
MLA, Churachandpur AC - Letzamang Haokip
MLA, Henglep AC - Chinlunthang
MLA, Singngat AC - Paolienlal Haokip
MLA, Saikol - Nemcha Kipgen
MLA, Kangpokpi AC - Vungjagin Valte
MLA, Thanion AC