UKHRUL: Several Kuki civil society organizations from Tengnoupal District in Manipur have expressed their opposition to the construction and tendering of the 11th Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) at Saivom Village.
In a joint press release, civil bodies including the Kuki Chiefs Association of Tengnoupal, the Hill Tribal Council Moreh, the Kuki Women Union-Human Rights, and the Kuki Students’ Organization Tengnoupal stated that this initiative was undertaken without meaningful consultation with local elected representatives, particularly the Member of Legislative Assembly, along with civil society organizations and other stakeholders.
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“The establishment of a major security installation is a matter of significant public concern and has far-reaching implications for the local community, land, environment, administration, and development of the area. Such an important decision should not be made without proper consultation with elected representatives and civil society organizations that represent the concerns of the affected community. We assert that no new posts for state forces should be created anywhere in the district, whether at Saivom or Lokchao/Tuipi village, until peace and normalcy are restored,” the press statement read.
The civil organizations reiterated that transparency, consultation, due process, and respect for local concerns must be prioritized before proceeding with the tender and construction. They demanded that the tendering and construction process be put on hold until normalcy is achieved, that the views and concerns of locals be formally recorded and considered, and that there be clarity and accountability regarding major projects.
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Furthermore, the civil societies called for immediate intervention from relevant authorities, including the Chief Minister, ministers, Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, and competent authorities. They warned that failure to address their concerns would lead to strong opposition, for which the government would be held solely responsible.
The organizations affirmed their commitment to addressing this issue through democratic and lawful means and urged authorities to respond positively to the concerns of the people and civil society organizations in Tengnoupal District.
