1. The Young Kuki, representing youths and volunteers in Outer Manipur, boycotts the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections.
2. Kuki Mothers, another tribal segment, also abstain from participating in the elections.
3. The decision follows consensus by the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum’s Presidential Council.
Imphal, March 26: The Young Kuki, representing Kuki youths and volunteers in the Outer Manipur Lok Sabha Constituency, has declared a boycott of the upcoming 18th Lok Sabha Elections in 2024.
Additionally, Kuki Mothers, another segment of the tribal body, has also decided to refrain from participating in the elections.
This resolution follows the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF) Presidential Council’s consensus, reached after discussions with its constituent member tribes, that no individuals from the Kuki-Zo community should file nominations for the upcoming Lok Sabha Election 2024.
Also Read: Amid Heavy Thunderstorm, Lightning Strike Claims Livestock in Jorhat, Assam, House Engulfed in Flames
The decision stems from the prevailing challenges confronting the community.
However, the council advocates for community members to exercise their democratic right to vote in the election while abstaining from contesting for the Outer Manipur Member of Parliament seat.
The press release states, “ITLF Presidential Council, in consultation with its constituent member tribes, has concurred that no member from the Kuki-Zo community should file nominations for the upcoming Lok Sabha Election, considering the challenges we currently face.”
The Young Kuki faction’s decision to boycott the elections follows their assertion of unaddressed grievances and injustices faced by the Kuki tribes, particularly after the violent incidents on May 3rd, 2023.
“The Kuki tribes continue to endure violence, oppression, and neglect from state authorities. The issues driving this decision include persistent violence and impunity, devastation and displacement of over 41,425 individuals, unchecked weapons violence, insufficient aid for displaced Kukis, unredressed crimes against Kuki women, and defamation by state officials. The Youth Kuki faction is urging the Government of India to address these issues. The boycott serves as a plea for attention to the community’s plight. The Youth Kuki faction remains committed to constructive dialogue and urges the Government of India to engage in meaningful discussions to resolve these concerns,” stated the Young Kuki faction in their press note.
