The Kuki Chiefs' Association, Manipur, on Monday began its two-day Seminar and General Assembly at KCAM Office, Tuibong, Churachandpur where Tribal Affairs and Hills Minister Letpao Haokip attended as chief guest while MLA of Henglep AC, Letzamang Haokip was the guest of honour.
The chief guest spoke about certain things that confronts the chief like Forest reserve, suggesting that they form a forum and go to the court of the land and to shun the traditional ways of the Kuki to use force to resist something that will be counterproductive in this modern world.
About village recognition, the chief guest said that it was not only the state government but the centre which made it mandatory to de-recognised villages which had less than 50 households, which he said is also convenient to the allocation of benefits by the government. He also called on the chiefs to have a genuine land Patta from each of their District HQs which is one way to protect their land.
In regard to poppy cultivation, he said that the genesis was based on profitability but as per experts from horticulture department, it was found that crops like Avocado and Back Berry yield more profit then poppy.
The minister also brought scientists from the horticulture and soil conservation dept to interact with the Kuki chiefs while also telling that Rs 265 was earmarked to replace poppy cultivation that will be funded by department of the DoNER.
The guest of honour said that the Kukis have God-given land and chieftainship from time immemorial and that is an institution that had to be protected through the records of their rightful.
In the seminar, Prof J Doungel, Dr Letkhojam Haokip, Dr Sasang Haokip and former-MP & MLA BD Behring attended as resources persons.
