The Kuki CSO Working Committee Ukhrul and Kuki Students Organisation Ukhrul have expressed objection to the peaceful march undertaken by ANSAM along National Highway 202 on Thursday.
The press release issued by Kuki CSO Working Committee Ukhrul stated that “WCKCSOs-Ukhrul strongly objects to ANSAM’s decision to carry out its proposed march along NH-202, particularly through the Kuki-Zo inhabited stretches between Litan Sareikhong and Mahadev.
“At a time when the conflict remains unresolved and 14 Kuki-Zo hostages are reportedly still in captivity, ANSAM’s insistence on passing through these sensitive areas is irresponsible, provocative, and capable of further aggravating an already volatile situation. Any attempt to project strength or exert pressure through routes passing directly through vulnerable communities will be viewed with serious concern.
“In the interest of public safety and communal peace, WCKCSOs-Ukhrul advises ANSAM to immediately drop the proposed route through Kuki-Zo inhabited areas and seek alternative arrangements.
“Should ANSAM choose to ignore this advisory and proceed despite the prevailing security concerns, WCKCSOs-Ukhrul makes it clear that the Kuki-Zo community shall not be held responsible for any untoward incident or consequence arising therefrom. The responsibility shall rest entirely with the organizers and the concerned authorities who permit such a march through a highly sensitive corridor.
“Issued in the larger interest of public safety and to avert any avoidable escalation in an already sensitive environment” added the statement issued by the Department of Information and Media, WCKCSOS-Ukhrul.
The Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO)-Ukhrul clarifies that it is not opposed to ANSAM’s proposed rally from Ukhrul to Imphal but strongly objects to its insensitive mobilisation through the volatile Kuki-Zo inhabited stretches of NH-202 covering Litan Sareikhong and Mahadev.
The statement of KSO Ukhrul reads, “amid an unresolved conflict and the reported captivity of 14 Kuki-Zo men, ANSAM’s decision to announce the rally prior to engaging KSO-GHQ for facilitation reflects poor judgment and disregard for prevailing ground realities. KSO-Ukhrul further condemns ANSAM’s selective outrage and conspicuous silence over the ongoing hostage crisis.
“In the interest of public safety and communal peace, KSO-Ukhrul strongly advises that participants be transported across the Kuki-Zo inhabited stretches under adequate security arrangements and refrain from physically traversing these areas. Sloganeering, provocative conduct, or any act capable of inflaming tensions must be strictly avoided.
“Should these advisories be ignored, any untoward consequence arising therefrom shall rest solely with the organisers and the concerned government authorities” stated the statement issued by the Department of Media, KSO-Ukhrul District.
