Imphal/August 17, 2023 (SPN) | Ten Kuki Zo MLAs have submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, appealing for the establishment of a Chief Secretary and Director General of Police (DGP) for the five hill districts of Manipur.
The memorandum, dated August 16, details the dire situation faced by the Kuki Zo people and calls for the creation of high-ranking administrative positions as well as financial aid from the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund.
The 10 MLAs, including seven from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), have requested the establishment of key positions such as a Chief Secretary or its equivalent and a Director General of Police (DGP) or equivalent for the five hill districts of Manipur.
These districts – Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, Chandel, Tengnoupal, and Pherzawl – have been hit hard by ethnic violence. Notably, Chandel and Tengnoupal have sizable Naga populations, adding a complex layer to the situation.
In addition to administrative positions, the Kuki Zo MLAs have appealed for financial support. They have asked for the allocation of Rs 500 crore from the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund to address the pressing needs of the affected community members.
The memorandum highlights the disturbing incidents that have transpired since May 3. It describes attacks on Kuki Zo individuals by Meitei mobs, leading to distressing outcomes including torture, molestation, rape, and even fatalities.
The plea emphasizes that these attacks have affected various segments of the Kuki Zo people, including government employees, businessmen, daily wage earners, and laborers.
The memorandum raises serious allegations against Chief Minister N. Biren Singh. It claims that Singh is waging a campaign against the Kuki Zo hill tribals, leading to frequent attacks on villages in the hill districts.
The MLAs cite instances where the Chief Minister and leaders from the majority Meitei community allegedly incited war against the Kuki Zo people.
The memorandum also highlights the severe impact of the violence on governance, revealing that Kuki Zo government employees and officials have been unable to fulfill their duties due to safety concerns in the Imphal Valley.