Manipur – In an open letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) from Manipur has urgently requested the creation of a separate Union Territory with a legislature for the Kuki-Zo community. This appeal comes amidst ongoing ethnic conflicts in Manipur, with the ITLF highlighting concerns about the treatment of Kuki-Zo village volunteers by central security forces.
The ITLF's letter highlights a series of incidents where central forces allegedly assaulted Kuki-Zo villagers, including women, and detained youths. Specific events in Jiribam’s Phaitol and Mongbung villages were mentioned, where seven Kuki women were reportedly assaulted and two youths detained. Additionally, three village volunteers were arrested, and five women were hospitalized following alleged assaults by security personnel. The house of the general secretary of Kuki Inpi (Jiribam, Noney, and Tamenglong) was also reportedly set on fire by security forces, escalating tensions further.
Allegations of Bias and Calls for Political Solutions
The ITLF condemned the arrest of Kuki village volunteers and the confiscation of their weapons, claiming that these actions increase the vulnerability of Kuki-Zo villages. They argued that the current military operations would not bring lasting peace to Manipur and called for a political solution to ensure the safety and dignity of the Kuki-Zo community. ITLF also demanded for a Union Territory under Article 239A of the Indian Constitution.
Central Security Forces' Actions Under Scrutiny
The ITLF accused the central security forces of being biased, alleging that they are focusing on disarming Kuki-Zo defenders while ignoring armed Meitei militias. They highlighted the arrest of Kuki individuals by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on terror charges, stating that genuine cases should only be pursued after a political solution is reached. The ITLF also pointed out that while operations are ongoing in Kuki-Zo areas, Meitei militias operate freely in the state capital, Imphal, and surrounding regions.
Addressing Illegal Immigration and Drug Issues
The ITLF also addressed the issue of illegal immigration, suggesting that the government document all individuals who have fled to Manipur from Myanmar, issue ID cards, and house them in designated camps. They accused the involvement in poppy cultivation among the Kuki-Zo people, supporting the government's efforts to combat the state's drug problem while calling for a fair approach.
Demands for AFSPA and Security Reforms
The letter demanded the immediate introduction of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in Imphal Valley and other areas if the central government is serious about disarming all groups and retrieving stolen weapons. They also requested the relocation of a military camp being constructed along the Churachandpur-Bishnupur border to avoid unnecessary tension.
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Conclusion
The ITLF's open letter is a call for urgent intervention and a sustainable political solution to the ethnic conflict in Manipur. They emphasized that without addressing the root causes and ensuring fair treatment for the Kuki-Zo community, lasting peace in the region remains unattainable.
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