IMPHAL, May 16 (NNN) : The Kuki National Organisation (KNO) has opposed the total shutdown in tribal areas called by Joint Action Committee (JAC) against the Anti-Tribal Bills. KNO is one of the two umbrella organisations of the Kuki underground outfits and there are 17 Kuki outfits under KNO.
“The 48 hours total shutdown has been called following resolution passed by Kuki Inpi Manipur and United Naga Council. KNO firmly instructs that the proposed shutdown is not carried out,” a handout of the KNO said today.
According to the press statement, the rationale for KNO’s instruction lies in the fact that there is no basis for Kukis and Nagas to proceed together on political issues. “Despite NSCN-IM’s aggression on the Kuki people from 1992 -1997 in which casualties were extreme and suitable rehabilitation was not made by the Government, in the interest of both Kuki and Naga peoples, KNO made overtures for dignified ‘reconciliation’ by proposing signing of an MoU by KNO and NSCN (IM).
However, NSCN (IM) failed to respond with courtesy. Yet, when Th Muivah, General Secretary NSCN (IM) was to cross Mao gate to travel to his hometown in Ukhrul district in May 2010 and request was made for ‘support’ for smooth passage, KNO obliged,” the statement said.
KNO then said it “does not shy” of working together with Nagas where common interest of both Naga and Kuki peoples may be served. However, the statement said that if NSCN (IM) does not reciprocate to KNO’s affirmative stand for concrete political understanding and consensus, or comes up with an appropriate proposal to serve as the basis for joint activity KIM, UNC or JAC Churachandpur “may not proceed” with any common activity such as shutdowns.
“KNO strongly reiterates its categorical objection to the proposed JAC Churachandpur’s call for a 48 hrs total shutdown. Should any individual or party not comply with KNO’s intimation and proceeds with the shutdown, appropriate action will necessarily follow,” it cautioned.