Newmai News Network
Imphal | October 17
A cabinet meeting chaired by Manipur chief minister, N Biren Singh on October 17 decided to approach the Centre to initiate action against Kuki cadres "violating the ground rules" of the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement.
Talking to reporters at his office chamber after the cabinet meeting, Manipur Education minister, Th Radheshyam, who is also the government spokesperson, alleged that cadres of some Kuki militants under SoO indulged in activities that would disturb the communal harmony in the state.
On Wednesday night, cadres of some militants under SoO allegedly threatened people by firing guns in some places reportedly in protest against the government order that directed to erase “ancestral land” which was inscribed in the memorial stones erected in connection with centennial commemoration of "Kuki rebellion" against the British colonial forces from 1917--19 which the community observes as “Anglo-Kuki War 1917-19.”
The centenary commemoration of the "Anglo-Kuki War" has run into trouble after objections were raised against Kukis erecting memorial stones that read “In defence of our ancestral land and freedom.”
Considering the sensitivity of the issue, state government held a series of talks with Kuki civil society organisations in the last few days.
The latest meeting with leaders of Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) and "Anglo-Kuki War Centenary Commemoration Committee: had agreed to take out the words, "In defence of our ancestral land and freedom" and instead insert "In defence of dignity and freedom" from the memorial stones.
During the meeting, the state government had also agreed to declare October 17 as a restricted holiday and also setting up a memorial site at a suitable site in Greater Imphal.
The government spokesperson alleged that even after the agreement was brought about, the government has reports of cadres of some militants under SoO indulged in threatening people and firing guns without any reason at some places.
"The acts of the SoO cadres were taken seriously by the government as it tantamount to disturb the peace and harmony among the different communities," the government spokesman said, while adding that the government was investigating into the incidents to identify the groups responsible for the acts.
As the agreement was signed with the Centre, the cabinet meeting held decided to approach the concerned authority of the government of India to intervene into the matter, he also said.
Further, in a report spread on social media, branches of Kuki Students Organisation (KSO) announced shutting down of all the schools located in Saikul area of Kangpokpi and Tengnoupal districts with immediate effect.
In this regard, the government decided to lodge an FIR against the student body and actions have been initiated to arrest the functionaries of the student body, Radheshyam informed the media.
He also said that the government will not allow any community to do anything hurting the interest of other communities.
"It is the bounden duty of the government to maintain peace and tranquility and the government will leave no stone unturned to punish those involved in activities tantamount to create disharmony and peaceful co-existence among different communities," the government spokesperson added.
