Churachandpur: Following the media reports of Kuki-Zo community in Manipur establishing their own “self-rule”, the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum on Friday clarified the reason behind the proposing of self-governing body.
According to ITLF spokesperson Ginza Vualzong, the Kuki-Zo people need to establish their own governing body for the welfare of the community as their core demand for separate administration continue.
Related | Manipur Violence: Appropriate legal action being initiated against ITLF by Govt
The ITLF leader said that since the outbreak of the ethnic conflict, so many Kuki-Zo bloods have flowed and people from the community are chased out of Imphal valley. Additionally, our people have been called names and considered as illegals, he said.
“Considering all these, we need to think about our welfare. We need to start our own governing body as our demand for Separate administration will take time,” said Vualzong.
Also read | Liangmai students demand justice for two killed in accident
He further informed that since the outbreak of violence in Manipur, the 10 Kuki-Zo MLAs and government officers cannot work in Imphal for fear of their lives.
“We want our 10 MLAs and government officers to start working in the hill district headquarters for the welfare of the people. We cannot stand still waiting for the government to give us solution,” said Vualzong, adding, “this is what we mean by self governance or self rule.
ITLF’s clarification comes just after the Manipur government slammed the ITLF statement to establish a self-rule, a separate administration in areas dominated by Kuki-Zo community serving two weeks ultimatum. The state government have also sought legal action against the ITLF and persons concerned.
Also read | 10 Oppn parties request state Guv to arrange meeting with PM
The Manipur government termed the ITLF statement as ‘irresponsible‘ and said that it has ‘no legal or constitutional basis’.
Speaking to media persons on Thursday, law and education minister Th Basantakumar Singh said that this irresponsible statement of ITLF appears to be motivated and aimed to vitiating and disturbing the law and order situation in the state.
Meanwhile, a FIR has been lodged against ITLF general secretary Muan Thombing by a OC, Churachandpur Police Station N Thangzamuan under conspiracy for waging, or attempting to wage war, or abetting waging of war, against the Government of India. Punishment for sedition, wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot-if rioting be committed-if not committed. Punishment for criminal conspiracy. Punishable u/s 121-A/124-A/153/120-B IPC.
Must read | The Spectrums To Perform In Ukhrul On Dec 15