IMPHAL: Kukis, one of the larger tribal communities in Manipur have been at odds with Chief Minister N Biren Singh-led state government over the inclusion of the Meitei community into the Scheduled Tribe category.
In the midst of violent battles between the Kuki and the Meiteis, ten Kuki MLAs urge the establishment of a 'Separate Administration' on Friday.
Haokholet Kipgen, Ngursanglur Sanate, Kimneo Haokip Hangshing, Letpao Haokip, LM Khaute, Letzamang Haokip, Chinlunthang, Paolienlal Haokip, Nemcha Kipgen, and Vungjagin Valte are the legislators. The Kuki People's Alliance controls Chinlunthang and Hangshing, while the BJP controls the rest.
“As the state of Manipur has miserably failed to protect us, we seek of the Union of India a separate administration under the constitution of India and live peacefully as neighbors with the state of Manipur,” the MLAs said in a statement.
The violence in Manipur erupted as hundreds of people joined a protest march planned by the All Tribal Students' Union of Manipur to reject the Meitei community's demand to be classified as a Scheduled Tribe.
Manipur's tribal hill districts are given particular protection under Article 371C of the Constitution, which states that all laws impacting the districts must be approved by the Manipur Legislative Assembly's hill areas committee.
"Our people can no longer exist under Manipur as the hatred against the tribal communally reached such a height that MLAs, ministers, pastors, police and civil officers, laymen women, and even children were not spared, not to mention the destruction of places of worship, homes, and properties. To live amidst the Meitei is as good as death for our people" in a joint press release, the 10 tribal MLA said.
On Thursday, however, one police officer was murdered and four others were injured when miscreants opened fire near Tera Khongfangbi in Manipur's Bishnupur district.
Meanwhile, 100 trucks transporting essential commodities from Dimapur to Imphal were blocked by mobs at several locations in North Kangpokpi district, according to police.
Meanwhile, police announced that the curfew has been extended by six hours in all 11 districts where it was imposed, up from five hours previously. These districts have different curfew times.
Also Watch:
Manipur Chief Minister
N Biren Singh
Kuki community in Manipur
BJP MLA
Manipur Government