IT News
Imphal, Feb 28:
Manipur-based Kuki-Zo organisations, the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF) and the Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU), have dismissed the recent surrender of nearly 300 arms by the Meitei group Arambai Tenggol, calling it a “mere gesture” and a “strategic attempt to improve public image” and gain “sympathy and legitimacy.”
In a joint statement, the two organisations asserted that the surrender of 246 looted weapons was only symbolic, amounting to just 5 per cent of the 6,000 weapons allegedly looted from Imphal Valley. They claimed that the move was a calculated effort to bolster the group’s image, particularly after their recent meeting with Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla.
“This move is a calculated effort to enhance their public image, particularly in the wake of their meeting with the Manipur Governor. It is a tactical ploy to garner sympathy and legitimacy. The timing of this gesture, following their meeting with the Governor, raises serious questions about their true motivations,” the statement read.
The ITLF and COTU further accused Arambai Tenggol of being responsible for the deaths of over 230 Kuki-Zo community members and reiterated their demand for a separate administration for their people.
Mentioned may be made that the Kuki Zo bodies had stated that they will not surrender the arms if their demand for separate administration is not fulfilled.
