KIM rubbishes Shah's ‘free movement’ call

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Mar 10: Until a satisfactory political solution is negotiated, Kuki-Zo community must stand resolute against any Government action perceived as detrimental to their rights and interests, said Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) in a statement today.
The Kuki Inpi strongly opposes the Government's free movement initiative. The initiative "poses a serious threat to the delicate balance or order that is currently in place," it said.
Significantly, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had recently declared that there will be free movement for all in Manipur from March 8.
The initiative was aimed at bringing peace and reconciliation among the Meiteis and the Kukis.
While Kuki-Zo civil bodies opposed the initiative, it was welcomed by the Meiteis, recognising it as "the first step towards bringing normalcy and peace".
Notably, the implementation of the free movement initiative was met with strong protests at Churachandpur, Kangpokpi and Kuki inhabited areas on March 8.
Stones were pelted at security forces and roads were blocked with boulders, stones and other obstacles. There were clashes between security forces and protesters leading to the death of a man.
Meanwhile, KIM said that the protests, which led to the death of Lalgouthang Singsit and injury to many women, symbolize the deep-rooted tensions surrounding the Government's "free movement" initiative.
"Allowing the Meitei(s) to enter Kuki-Zo areas is bound to exacerbate the ongoing conflict. Until a comprehensive political solution is reached—one that assures lasting peace and respects the aspiration of the Kuki-Zo community—the Kuki Inpi cannot accept this policy, which is viewed as a policy only to bring momentary peace," it said.
"It is imperative that the Central Government adopt a more proactive approach to resolving the ongoing crisis, one that prioritizes justice for the affected community," said KIM.
Prioritising justice means addressing the root causes of the conflict and recognizing the "unique" grievances of the Kuki-Zo people, who have suffered greatly due to this ethnic clash, it added. "Until a satisfactory political solution is negotiated, the Kuki Inpi urges the Kuki-Zo community to remain steadfast and resolute in their stance against any Governmental action perceived as detrimental to their rights and interests," KIM said. It expressed heartfelt condolences to the grieving family of Lalgouthang Singsit.