(ITLF) refutes claims of seeking self-rule in Manipur
Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF) refutes claims of seeking self-rule in Manipur. ITLF proposes a local governing body, aligned with the Indian Constitution, to administer tribal areas.
- ITLF proposes a local governing body, aligned with the Indian Constitution, to administer tribal areas.
- Manipur government faces criticism for alleged neglect and biased treatment of the Kuki community.
- Central government and Manipur’s Chief Minister reject the notion of separate administration for tribals.
- Controversy around the portrayal of the Kuki community in educational materials adds to the strife.
This clarification comes in light of difficulties faced by the Kuki MLAs in participating in state governance, particularly following violence that erupted in May. Vualzong highlighted the challenges faced by these MLAs, who could not safely travel to the capital, Imphal, for a special Assembly session, underscoring a sense of alienation and safety concerns within the tribal community.
The Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF), representing the Kuki-Zo community in Manipur, has recently been at the center of a significant controversy. Contrary to some media reports claiming that the ITLF sought ‘self-rule’ in three tribal-dominated districts – Tengnoupal, Kangpokpi, and Churachandpur – the body’s spokesperson, Ginza Vualzong, clarified their actual intentions. The ITLF is considering the adoption of a local governing body in these areas, but within the framework of the Indian Constitution.
The Manipur government, however, has taken a firm stance against the ITLF’s statements. The Directorate of Information & Public Relations of the Government of Manipur denounced the ITLF’s claims as having no legal or constitutional basis, suggesting that such statements might be intended to disrupt the state’s law and order. The government also indicated that legal action might be pursued against the ITLF and related individuals.
Adding to the complex dynamics, Muan Tombing, another ITLF member, voiced the longstanding grievances of the Kuki-Zo community. He accused central investigation agencies and the police of biased actions favoring the majority Meitei community and ignoring the needs and justice for the tribal communities.
In a contrasting perspective, Manipur’s Chief Minister, Biren Singh, refuted these allegations, asserting that the central agencies are effectively performing their duties. He emphasized the gradual return to normalcy in areas like Churachandpur and Kangpokpi and invited skeptics to witness the situation firsthand.
A further point of contention involves the state’s educational content. ITLF’s Vualzong pointed out the Education Minister’s intent to remove a chapter about the Kuki community from a history book, alleging a ‘fabricated’ portrayal of the community. This incident reflects deeper issues of cultural representation and historical narrative, exacerbating the community’s call for a separate administrative mechanism.
Despite these tensions, Vualzong clarified that their proposal for self-governance remains in the early stages, requiring thorough consideration of legal and financial aspects. The demand for a separate administration, echoing a statement made by the Kuki MLAs post-violence in May, stems from a belief that the state failed to protect the tribal communities adequately. However, the Union Home Minister Amit Shah has repeatedly dismissed the possibility of a separate administration for these areas.
