Kuki statehood stir spreads wings

IMPHAL: The agitating Kuki State Demand Committee (KSDC) has said that eminent intellectuals and politicians of the country have pledged to extend support to its ongoing demand for creation of a separate 'Kuki state' within Manipur.

The KSDC had been imposing economic blockades and other forms of agitations for many days in Manipur since November 17 last year in pursuit of its demand. The latest agitation was called for two days last month.

"Recently, we were campaigning across the country to seek support and advice from eminent politicians and intellectuals at various cities including New Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati and Shillong," the committee's information and publicity secretary, S George Guite, told TOI on Tuesday.

"Learning about our long-standing and legitimate demand, they (politicians and intellectuals) pledged to support our movement morally," said Guite. He added that the KSDC is set to become a constituent group of the Forum for Statehood Demand in India, an umbrella body of several bodies demanding statehood in the country.

During KSDC's earlier campaign in neighbouring Mizoram, various Mizo social organizations, including the one formed by former cadres of the erstwhile Mizo National Front (MNF), vowed to support the Kuki statehood demand, he said.

"As part of our unrelenting movement, we will organize a one-day consultative meeting at Silen village in Loktak Hydro-electricity project area on Saturday and at Sangaikot on October 12," added Guite.

The KSDC proposed 'Kuki state' map encompasses Kuki areas covering about 65 per cent of the whole area of Manipur spread over five hill districts. The map surrounds Churachandpur, Chandel and Sadar Hills in Senapati besides large chunks of land in Tamenglong and Ukhrul districts.