Separate management call in Kuki areas rejected by Manipur CM

Imphal: Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Monday rejected the demands of 10 MLAs, including 7 from his own party, for a separate administration for the Kuki-majority districts of the northeastern state, saying “the territorial integrity of Manipur will be protected”.

The chief minister, who on Sunday flew to Delhi to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah, said steps were being taken to ensure that the militants, who had called a suspension of operations, had signed the peace treaty, returned to their appointed place. Camp
Singh also appealed to people not to hold dharnas or rallies in view of the sensitive phase in the state since the communal riots between the majority Meiteis and Kukis earlier this month.

He also said that no force would be used to break the blockades imposed by some groups on highways in the state in view of the riots, and instead “try to reason with these protesters.”
“I assure the people that the territorial integrity of Manipur will be protected at all costs,” the chief minister, who was addressing reporters at a press conference here, said.

He added, “Steps are being taken under the supervision of Union Home Minister Amit Shah to bring back the SOO (suspension of operations) groups to their camps and strengthen efforts to normalize the situation in the state.” can go.”
Singh said he and his ministers, who had traveled with him to Delhi, briefed Shah about the current situation in the state and “made him aware of the sentiments of the people of Manipur on the situation. Armed Militants in Recent Violence”.
Clashes erupted in Manipur on May 3 after a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ was organized in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.
The violence preceded tensions over the eviction of Kuki villagers from reserve forest land, which led to a series of smaller protests.

Meiteis constitute about 53% of Manipur’s population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley. The tribals – Nagas and Kukis – constitute another 40 percent of the population and live in the hilly districts.

Around 10,000 army and paramilitary personnel had to be deployed to bring the situation back to normal in the northeastern state.