What do Kuki students want ? They do not want any 'fresh election' in Manipur .... they are also against tripartite talks ... they also want to boycott elections

The 2023 Manipur conflict has left long term impact.

Younger generation is worst affected. 

At a press conference in Delhi,  the Kuki Students' Organisation (KSO) leaders batted for 'status quo'. That is post-violence situation. 

"The presence of over 5000 sophisticated weapon in the hands of Meitei militants - the VBIGs and the radicalised militia Arambai Tenggol poses a significant threat to the safety and security of the minority and vulnerable tribal Kuki-Zo," it was stated.  

To a question on the possibilities of tripartite talks between Kukis, Govt of India and Meiteis,

KSO interim president Lalboi Doungel said: 

"With regard to talking to Meiteis, it can be immaturity on the part of those who are outside (Manipur) to presume that we do no want to talk to Meiteis; you see all the valley-based Meitei civil society organisations have chanted slogans to annihilate Kukis... you have seen the video. 

How are we going to talk to those people who want to annihilate us and uproot us from Manipur...

"Therefore only place of solace is  of course going to the constitution and our demand for a separate administration. Because we are not demanding breaking of the integrity of the country"." 

file snap : Blogger in Churachandpur 

It was stated in a statement that "...misappropriation of funds intended for equitable sharing has also occurred".

"Despite the fact that 90 per cent of the state is comprised of hill areas, only a maximum of 10 per cent of the state's budget is allocated for developing these regions. The Grant-in-Aid (Art 275) allocated for the development of hill regions is being redirected to support the development of valley areas".

They demanded -- 

"The buffer zones must remain intact and enforced until a comprehensive political solution such as a Union Territory with legislature for the Kuki-Zo is achieved.

If the Majoritarian government is so hell bend on border fencing-it must also fence the buffer zones as that will act as permanent deterrent to the fragile peace in Manipur."

The 'demand' also include - "swift and high-level prosecutions of war criminals those implicated in the Audio-Tape leak in cases involving mass violence, including arson, mass graves, and sexual crimes."

They sought that the process of setting up of a separate administration should begin and therefore the Governor of Manipur be also made "the Lt. Governor of the newly created Union Territory with Legislature for the Kukis for a permanent peace in the region".

In an observtion note, the KSO said: 

"The world is watching Manipur. The removal of buffer zones before justice is served would be a betrayal of the Kuki-Zo community and a green signal for more violence. 

We call upon the Central Government, the Supreme Court, and the international community to ensure that these protective measures remain until

The Kuki-Zo will not accept peace without justice. 

"Buffer zones are not just a temporary measure they are a moral obligation until the victim community see redress in the form of UT with Legislature," it said. 

Nagaland model - 'bad example' ??  

The Kuki Students Organisation maintains they are not interested either installation of a popular government in the present Assembly (which is under suspended stage since the imposition of President's Rule) or even for the dissolution of the state assembly and a fresh election.

The Congress party has been demanding dissolution of the state assembly and an early fresh election.

On the other hand, at least 44 NDA MLAs are reportedly keen for installation of a popular government. Ten of them recently called on the Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla also. In social media was so intense that people even started distributing portfolios. One figment of imagination was there could be 3-4 deputy CMs also.

However, in all likelihood, the centre will continue with the President's Rule experiment at least next few months. 

One KSO source threw a one-liner which calls for closer studies by academcians and policy makers in Delhi.

"No, we are not interested for any election in Kuki-dominated hills. We are not keen for any installation of a popular or unpopular government in Imphal. For us the fact of life is we have been chased away from the capital Imphal.... 

As for election, you all just saw in Nagaland (2024 Lok Sabha), Eastern Nagaland stayed away from voting. 

"We will also do so when time comes and elections are imposed from top....". 

Pandora's Box are often self-created. The leaderships in Delhi as well as in Kohima may also reflect on this aspect.  

Every strongman can have 'weaknesses' ! Some say Love, others call it Liability 

ends