1. ITLF criticizes the Manipur government’s directive for Kuki community arms submission before Lok Sabha polls.
2. ITLF raises concerns over the suitability of weapon submission amid ongoing uncertainty.
3. Urges Kuki-Zo people not to comply with the administration’s directives regarding arms surrender.
Imphal, March 26: The Indigenous Tribal Leader’s Forum (ITLF) in Manipur has strongly criticized the state government’s directive for arms holders of the Kuki community to submit their weapons ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.
Expressing concerns over the government’s decision, the ITLF argues that given the current circumstances of uncertainty, the order for weapon submission may not be appropriate.
The forum believes that such a move could exacerbate tensions and feelings of insecurity among the Kuki-Zo people.
Highlighting the significance of self-defense, the ITLF emphasizes that the Kuki-Zo community relies on their weapons to safeguard their fundamental right to life and protect their land.
The forum raises alarm over the government’s failure to return licensed guns that were previously submitted in 2023, further deepening distrust in the administration.
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In response to the government’s directive, the ITLF calls upon every member of the Kuki-Zo community, including men, women, and village volunteers, to refrain from complying with the order.
The forum urges the community to stand united against what they perceive as unjust actions by the authorities.
The ITLF’s stance underscores the deep-seated apprehensions and grievances within the Kuki-Zo community regarding the state government’s handling of security matters.
The forum’s opposition to the weapon submission directive reflects broader concerns about the protection of community rights and the preservation of individual freedoms in Manipur.
As tensions escalate between the government and the Kuki-Zo community, the situation remains tense and fraught with uncertainty.
The ITLF’s call for defiance against the administration’s directives highlights the challenges faced by marginalized communities in asserting their rights and resisting perceived injustices perpetrated by state authorities.
In the lead-up to the Lok Sabha polls, the standoff between the ITLF and the government underscores the complex interplay of politics, security, and identity in Manipur.
As the state grapples with various socio-political issues, including ethnic tensions and governance issues, finding a resolution to the current impasse remains a daunting task.
