The Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF) on Wednesday issued an ultimatum to the central government, saying they would proceed to set up a separate administration for the Kuki-Zo tribal areas even if the Centre overlooks their demand.
ITLF General Secretary Muan Tombing announced that if their demands are not met within two weeks, the group will proceed to set up a self-governed administration, irrespective of recognition from the Centre.
The announcement came during a mass rally held in Churachandpur, a district predominantly inhabited by the Kuki tribe. The rally was organised to demand investigations into alleged atrocities against the Kuki-Zo tribals and to voice the community’s grievances.
Tombing expressed frustration over the lack of progress, stating, “It has been over six months and nothing has been done regarding our demand for a separate administration from the Manipur government. If our voice is not heard within a couple of weeks, we will set up our self-government.”
The ethnic violence between the Meiteis, who form the majority in the Imphal Valley, and the Kukis, who dominate several hill districts, erupted in May.
The conflict has resulted in the loss of over 170 lives and displaced more than 50,000, forcing both communities to flee to areas where their respective populations are in the majority.
-Agencies