The Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) on Monday stated that the organisation rejects any offer of dialogue with Chief Minister N Biren Singh and his administration while cautioning all Kuki-Zo CSOs not to go against ITLF’s interests.
A release issued by Ginza Vualzong of ITLF media publicity stated that the CM’s intention of reaching out to stakeholders following a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah came too late.
“After the loss of many innocent lives and properties and the untold hardships faced by the Kuki-Zo tribals, there is no point in talking about peace without a political solution,” it added.
“Around 106 tribal people have been killed, 201 villages burned, over 5,000 houses burned and 355 churches destroyed, while 41,425 tribal have been displaced by the conflict. We have reached a point where the Kuki-Zo community can no longer live together with the Meiteis,” it read.
It accused CM Biren Singh of perpetrating the present crisis, alleging that he cannot be the harbinger of peace. ITLF has held talks with various dignitaries, including the Union home minister where the Kuki-Zo tribal and its 10 MLAs and CSOs have voiced their demands which include the political aspiration of total separation from Manipur.
ITLF urged the government of India to bring a solution to its political demand as soon as possible to bring lasting peace in Manipur. It also urged the Kuki-Zo community CSOs and tribe leaders to maintain unity and not to participate in any form of dialogue with the CM and his administration, cautioning stringent actions.
Also Read: Prime Minister Narendra Modi takes stock of Manipur situation
