Kuki organisations in Ukhrul have objected to ANSAM's proposed rally route through Kuki-Zo inhabited stretches of NH-202, citing security concerns.
Imphal, June 4: Two Kuki organisations in Ukhrul district have raised concerns over the proposed route of a rally planned by the All Naga Students' Association, Manipur (ANSAM), urging organisers to avoid passing through Kuki-Zo inhabited stretches along National Highway-202 between Litan Sareikhong and Mahadev.
In separate statements issued on Thursday, the Working Committee of Kuki Civil Society Organisations (WCKCSOs)-Ukhrul and the Kuki Students' Organisation (KSO)-Ukhrul said the proposed movement through the area could heighten tensions amid the continuing ethnic conflict in Manipur.
The WCKCSOs-Ukhrul said it strongly objected to ANSAM's decision to carry out its march through what it described as sensitive Kuki-Zo inhabited areas. According to the organisation, the conflict remains unresolved and 14 Kuki-Zo hostages are reportedly still in captivity.
The organisation stated that ANSAM's insistence on passing through the area was irresponsible and could aggravate an already volatile situation. It said any attempt to project strength or exert pressure by moving through vulnerable communities would be viewed with serious concern.
In its advisory, WCKCSOs-Ukhrul urged ANSAM to immediately reconsider the proposed route and make alternative arrangements in the interest of public safety and communal harmony. The organisation further stated that if the march proceeds through the sensitive corridor despite the advisory, responsibility for any untoward incident would rest with the organisers and the authorities permitting the rally.
Meanwhile, KSO-Ukhrul clarified that it was not opposed to ANSAM's proposed rally from Ukhrul to Imphal. However, it strongly objected to the mobilisation through Kuki-Zo inhabited stretches of NH-202, describing the move as insensitive given the prevailing security situation.
The student body also expressed concern that the rally was announced before engaging with the KSO General Headquarters regarding facilitation arrangements. It further criticised what it described as ANSAM's silence on the issue of the reported captivity of 14 Kuki-Zo men.
KSO-Ukhrul advised that rally participants be transported across the sensitive stretches under adequate security arrangements rather than physically traversing the route. It also called on participants to refrain from sloganeering, provocative conduct or any activity that could inflame tensions.
Both organisations said their statements were issued in the interest of public safety and to prevent any avoidable escalation in the area.
