The Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF) gave the central government a deadline on Wednesday, threatening to establish a separate administration for the Kuki-Zo tribal lands even if the Center ignores their request.
ITLF General Secretary Muan Tombing declared that the organization will establish a self-governing administration regardless of Center recognition if their demands are not satisfied in a fortnight.
At a large demonstration in Churachandpur, a region primarily populated by the Kuki tribe, the news was made. The gathering was planned to air community grievances and demand inquiries into alleged atrocities against the Kuki-Zo tribe.
‘We have been demanding a separate administration from the Manipur government for over six months, and nothing has been done,’ Tombing said, expressing displeasure over the lack of movement. ‘We shall establish our own government if our voice is not heard in a few weeks.’
In May, ethnic violence broke out between the Kukis, who control many hill districts, and the Meiteis, who make up the majority in the Imphal Valley.
More than 50,000 people have been displaced and over 170 lives have been lost as a result of the war, causing both communities to escape to places where their respective populations predominate.
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