Kuki-Zo Council Appeals to Governor for Extended Arms Surrender Deadline
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Synopsis
On March 7, the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) in Manipur requested Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla to extend the deadline for returning looted arms. They emphasize the need for proper facilitation and a continued commitment to political demands for a separate administration.
Key Takeaways
- Kuki-Zo Council urges for more time on arms return.
- 196 weapons were surrendered in Manipur.
- KZC seeks a Union Territory for Kuki-Zo tribes.
- Concerns over safety of government employees.
- Disappointment over unfulfilled government promises.
Imphal, March 7 (NationPress) The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), the principal organization representing Kuki-Zo tribes in Manipur, has on Friday urged Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla to further prolong the deadline for returning the looted and illegally possessed arms and ammunition.
The senior leadership of the KZC, along with its allied organizations, convened an important meeting in Churachandpur on Thursday and Friday, where they declared their decision, stating that the council would publicly call for the surrender and submission of the stolen arms.
"This initiative will be implemented in all districts populated by the Kuki-Zo tribes. Since this call cannot be fulfilled swiftly, the Council is requesting the Governor of Manipur to extend the deadline for arms submission by a few more weeks to facilitate a proper process for this," the KZC articulated in a statement.
In response to the Governor's appeal, a total of 196 looted and illegally held weapons, including several advanced arms, were returned to the police on Thursday, the final day for surrendering the arms, across eight districts of Manipur -- Churachandpur, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Imphal East, Imphal West, Kakching, Jiribam, and Pherzawl.
By Thursday (March 6), a cumulative total of 967 looted and illegally held weapons, along with a substantial cache of ammunition, were returned to security forces following the initial appeal made by Governor Bhalla on February 20.
"The effective recovery of the looted arms in the Valley can be achieved only through the uniform application of law," the Council emphasized.
The KZC reiterated the Kuki-Zo tribes' political demand for a distinct administration, envisaged as a Union Territory with a legislature, in accordance with the Constitution (Article 239A), stating their commitment to pursue this demand relentlessly until their call for SA is fulfilled.
Regarding the issue of unrestricted highway movement, the Council welcomed the initiative from the Ministry of Home Affairs aimed at ensuring the uninterrupted flow of essential goods within the state.
"However, until a ceasefire agreement is established between the conflicting communities, the KZC cannot assure the safe movement of individuals across buffer zones and will not bear responsibility for unforeseen incidents," the statement, signed by KZC's Information Secretary, Khaikhohauh Gangte, concluded.
Gangte further expressed that until a political resolution is achieved through dialogue, it is premature for government personnel from the Kuki-Zo community to be assigned to areas where their safety cannot be assured. He also raised concerns regarding the extension of AFSPA (Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act) in the ten hill districts, and the exclusion of 19 police station limits in six districts, primarily in the valley region where the Meitei community resides.
The KZC also conveyed its dissatisfaction with the "failure to uphold the assurances given by government officials to visit Churachandpur and meet the council leadership within 10-14 days," which led to the cancellation of its proposed rally on February 18.
