Meitei-Naga-Kuki relationship must be amended : Kho John Candidate trumps grassroot experience

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Apr 8: Independent candidate for the ensuing Lok Sabha election in Outer Manipur Parliamentary Constituency S Kho John has asserted that there is a need to normalise and amend the triangular relationship shared among Meitei, Naga and Kuki communities in Manipur.
Talking exclusively to The Sangai Express today, Kho John said that the ensuing election is no ordinary election but voters must exercise their right to adult franchise after serious thinking.
Of all the North Eastern States, Manipur is quite unique. The communities living together in the State  since ages are not that bad but all must live together in the future too, he said.
The triangular relationship shared among the three major communities viz; Meitei, Naga and Kuki is not very good at the moment. This triangular relationship must be normalised and amended to a satisfactory level, Kho John asserted.
The violent crisis which erupted in the State on May 3 last year is a very tragic event. Neither Meiteis nor Kukis would have thought that the violence would aggravate to such ferocity. Neither Meiteis nor Kukis would have any prior intention to create such a tragic and devastating crisis, he said.
Without taking any sides, Nagas ought to mediate and work to bring a solution to the crisis but Nagas are also facing difficulties as the relationships shared between Nagas and Meiteis, and Nagas and Kukis are not very good and there is trust deficit, Kho John said.
The Member of Parliament who would be representing Outer Manipur PC must be a competent and responsible person who can serve the diverse interests of the different communities, he said.
“As I worked together with people of different communities for many years, I came to know their difficulties, grievances and sentiments. If I’m elected, I will keep this in mind and work accordingly”, the Independent candidate said.
All the communities must continue to live together and this is the central idea of Manipur, Kho John asserted.
The Meitei MLAs and the Kuki MLAs, instead of taking sides, must work together honestly to resolve the protracted crisis but they are doing nothing in this regard.
The Government of India too has been acting deaf and mute, he said before questioning the Central Government’s attitude.
“If I’m elected as an MP, I will work to bring about marked improvement in the triangular Meitei-Naga-Kuki relationship. The Government of India will be persuaded to take up concrete actions as to resolve the crisis”, Kho John said.
“When I was the president of United Naga Council (UNC), I talked with CSOs of the valley as well as Kuki CSOs to work together, and we did work together on different occasions”, he said.
He said that he would don the same role more meaningfully if he is elected as an MP.
“As I worked together with the people for many years, people inspired me to contest the elections and they are still motivating me”, Kho John said.
He exuded confidence that he would certainly win the election.
The votes of Ukhrul denizens will be shared between the NPF and Congress candidates. Tamenglong votes will be shared between different candidates, he said.
“I will receive a large chunk of vote from Churachandpur as well as from the valley Assembly segments clubbed under Outer Manipur PC. I will receive a significant number of votes from Kangpokpi too. I will secure the lion’s share of votes from my home district Senapati”, he claimed.
On the other hand, the polling percentage will be lower this time given the prevailing situation, he added.