Manipur tribals say will form own administration in two weeks

GUWAHATI: The Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF) on Wednesday organised a protest rally in Manipur's Churachandpur demanding fulfilments of its core demand of a separate administration. It threatened to form its own self-governed administration if the demand was not met within two weeks.

The ITLF also sought investigations by the CBI or National Investigation Agency into the acts of violence against the Kuki-zo tribal people.

ITLF spokesperson Ginza Vualzong said: "It has been over six months, and nothing has been done on our demand of a separate administration from the Manipur government. So, if our voice is not heard within a couple of weeks, we will set up our self-government, whether the Centre recognises it or not ... As in a state or union territory, we will set up a self-government that will look into all matters in the Kuki-Zo areas. We have to do this since our voice has not been heard."


Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights president Ngaineikim Haokip said the organisation is deeply disturbed by the alleged torture of seven arrested civilians from Moreh.

Ten Kuki MLAs, including seven BJP members, two Kuki People's Alliance legislators and an independent have demanded a separate administration in Manipur. Several Kuki organisations are also pressing for a separate administration.

Ethnic violence had erupted in Manipur on May 3 after a tribal solidarity rally turned violent in Churachandpur district. It has so far claimed 175 lives and caused injuries to 1,108, according to the state police. Also 32 people are missing.

NHRC Camp Today: The National Human Rights Commission will hold a camp sitting at the Administrative Staff College, Guwahati, on Friday to hear cases of human rights violation in northeastern states.

The commission is also sensitising local self-governments on various aspects of human rights and holding a conference on 'Advancing Human Rights through Local Self Governments' on Thursday. It will also meet members of civil society. It will also hold a meeting with chief secretaries, police chiefs and senior officers of the eight north-eastern states to review the action taken on its advisories and recommendations, among other issues.