KZC puts a rider to highways opening

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Sep 4 : The National Highway-02 has never been closed or blocked, however, restrictions in "buffer zones" will continue in Kangpokpi district, the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), based in Chura-chandpur has clarified.
This clarification of the KZC was issued hours after its delegates in Delhi signed an agreement with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to open the NH-02 and allow free movement of commuters and essential goods.
Undermining this agreement signed in New Delhi, the KZC in its clarification asserted, "It must not be misinterpreted as an endorsement of unrestricted or free movement across buffer zones."
"The sanctity of the buffer zones between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo areas will continue to be strictly respected and maintained," the KZC said, apparently hinting that no Meiteis will be allowed to move freely as commuters on the Highway in Kangpokpi district.
Notably, the Government's Press Information Bureau had earlier issued a statement stating that the Kuki-Zo Council has decided today to open the National Highway-02.
"In a significant decision, the Kuki-Zo Council has decided today to open the National Highway-02 for the free movement of commuters and essential goods," the PIB had said.
The decision to open the Highway came after a series of meetings between officials of Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and a delegation of KZC in the last few days at New Delhi. KZC has given commitment to cooperate with security forces deployed by GoI to maintain peace along NH-02, it had said.
After reaching the agreement, the KZC had circu- lated a statement in Delhi.
The KZC in its later statement said the clarification has been released "to place the contents of our statement in the correct perspective."
"We categorically reiterate that the Imphal- Dimapur NH-02 has never been closed or blocked. The NH-02 has consistently remained open for commuters and for the transportation of essential goods. Therefore, the question of "reopening" does not arise, contrary to certain media reports," it said.
"Our appeal was specifically confined to the stretch of NH-02 passing through the Kangpokpi district. It must not be misinterpreted as an endorsement of unrestricted or free movement across the buffer zones. The sanctity of the buffer zones between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo areas will continue to be strictly respected and maintained," it said.
The essence of KZC's appeal was simply to urge the people of Kangpokpi to extend cooperation to the Central security forces deployed to ensure safety along the Highway. It is the responsibility of the Government of India to deploy and manage Central forces to secure commuters and the transport of goods. It is neither the duty of the local public in Kangpokpi nor of KZC to guarantee foolproof security for National highway users. The MHA has assured that adequate Central forces will be deployed to provide necessary security along NH-02 (Imphal-Dimapur), said the KZC.
"KZC warmly welcomes and supports the decision of the MHA to extend the Suspension of Operations (SoO) with KNO and UPF. We remain hopeful that the Government of India will follow this up by resuming the political dialogue for a Separate Administration under the Constitution of India, which alone can bring lasting peace and prosperity to the Kuki-Zo people," it added.