IMPHAL, September 18: More than 250 Kuki villages were recorded by the Manipur Durbar in 1946-47, so how is it possible to term the Kukis as foreigners as was claimed by the Meitei International Forum member RK Rajendra.
This was stated by JD (U) Manipur general secretary (Organisation) Lien Gangte during a press conference held at the party office.
He demanded a proper clarification from Rajendra on his claim and to tender an apology to all the kukis in the world in the traditional kuki way, if he fails to do so.
He said he will file a case in the court under IPC 153 (A), if Rajendra fails to do so.
Speaking at the press conference, he said his party considers the statement to be unfortunate.
Since time immemorial, the kukis have been coexisting with the other communities in Manipur, he observed.
During different periods, the Kukis had taken vital roles during wars for the Manipuri kingdom, he said.
During the reign of Maharaj Budhachandra, the Manipur Durbar recorded 250 Kuki villages in Manipur in the 1946-47, he added.
He said in the past, the kings had even handed the sole responsibility of the hills to the Kukis.
It is ufortunate the RK Rajendra had made such a statement as claiming the Kukis to be foreigners, he added.
He demanded a proper clarification through the media or other platform from Rajendra.
If his proof is authentic, we will further check the truth, but if he wants the truth he can get all the documents from the JD (U) office, Gangte added.
Such statement hurts the sentiments of the people and Rajendra should be responsible if any communal tension is ignited due to the statement, he added.
JD (U) State president M Tombi on the other hand accused the Centre and the State unit BJP of being anti-Kuki.
He said the government is yet to do anything for the Kuki villagers who were killed, displaced and thir houses destroyed during the Naga-Kuki clash in the early part of 1990’s.
The government has also failed to even try to settle the demands of Suspension of Operation signatory Kuki groups, while, it has signed a peace accord with the NSCN (IM), he said.
He also charged the Centre, the State government and the BJP State unit of playing games in the State.
He said the JD (U) also welcome the Nagaland Governor’s statement that NSCN (IM) cadres will be absorbed in security forces.
Tombi also said if MP Thangso Baite had actually made the statement of splitting the State into two Union Territories then it is very unfortunate.
He said during a meeting with the Union Home secretary on August 23, regarding the five pints of the JCILPS, all MPs from the State Md Salam, Dr Th Meinya and Thangso baite were present and all of them had not raised any objection to the five points then.
He said if Thangso Baite has made the splitting of Manipur comment to the media, then it is very unfortunate.
However, if the MP clarifies he had not made any such statement, but later his voice recordings are produce to prove it, then he must resign from being an MP of Manipur, he demanded.
Clarifying on Kim Gangte’s allegations that neither the government nor the JCILPS included Hill leaders in preparing the bills, he said it is totally wrong and baseless.
He said during a discussion on the five point demands of the JCILPS at the Conference Hall of the Assembly, Phungjathang Tonsing, Francis Ngajokpa and other hill leaders were also present.
He also said that during the long period preparing the bills, opinions of several seasoned politicians including RIshang Keishing, RK Dorendro, RB Koijam and many other hill leaders were taken.