1. Ten Kuki-Zo lawmakers, seven from the BJP, oppose a Manipur assembly resolution.
2. They express disagreement with the resolution urging the Union government to abrogate an SOO pact with militant outfits.
3. The resolution claims violations by Kuki militant groups, sparking opposition from Kuki-Zo legislators.
Imphal, Mar 01: In a recent development in Manipur, ten Kuki-Zo lawmakers, including seven from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), have expressed their opposition to a resolution passed by the Manipur assembly.
The resolution urges the Union government to abrogate a Suspension of Operations (SOO) pact with militant outfits, citing violations by Kuki militant groups.
The Kuki legislators have condemned the resolution, labeling it as one-sided and biased against their community.
The Manipur assembly adopted the resolution, pointing to alleged violations of the SOO pact by Kuki militant outfits.
The resolution comes in the wake of ethnic violence between Meiteis and tribal Kukis that erupted in May the previous year, resulting in numerous casualties and displacements.
The Kuki-Zomi-Hmar MLAs, who advocate for a separate administration for their community, were absent from the assembly during the discussion and adoption of the resolution.
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Opposition by Kuki Legislators:
The Kuki-Zo lawmakers, in a collective statement, vehemently opposed the resolution, denouncing it as prejudiced and reflecting animosity and hatred towards their community.
They questioned the basis of the resolution, particularly whether it was backed by any official reports or observations from the Joint Monitoring Group, which is tasked with assessing violations of such agreements.
The lawmakers credited the SOO pact for fostering peace in Kuki-dominated hill districts and blamed the United National Liberation Front, a Meitei group, for the violence.
Appeal for Fair Consideration:
In their statement, the Kuki legislators appealed to the Union Home Ministry to examine the issue impartially and justly to prevent further discrimination and alienation of the Kuki-Zomi-Hmar people.
They expressed concerns that the resolution aimed to exacerbate divisions within Manipur’s diverse communities and called for a fair and inclusive approach to addressing the underlying grievances.
The opposition by Kuki-Zo legislators to the Manipur assembly’s resolution underscores the complex ethnic dynamics and longstanding tensions in the state.
As the situation unfolds, stakeholders must engage in dialogue and seek equitable solutions that promote peace, inclusivity, and justice for all communities in Manipur.
