Ten tribal MLAs demanded a separate state
Ten tribal MLAs from different political parties, including BJP, in Manipur have indirectly demanded a separate state for Kuki tribals due to the ethnic unrest in the region. The legislators have demanded “Separate Administration” for their tribal, which makes up around 37 to 40 percent of the total population.
The MLAs stated in a signed statement that the violence initiated by the majority Meiteis and tacitly supported by the state government against the Chin-Kuki-Mizo-Zomi hill tribals has already partitioned the state and caused total separation from Manipur.
The MLAs claimed that their people can no longer exist under Manipur, and living with the Meitei community is like death for the tribals due to the hatred and violence against them. They expressed their endorsement of the political aspiration of separation from the state of Manipur on behalf of their community.
The ten MLAs, including five BJP legislators, two JD-U MLAs, two KPA members, and one independent MLA, have decided to hold a political consultation with their people regarding further action. They seek a separate administration under the Constitution of India from the Union of India as the state of Manipur has failed to protect them.
The MLAs represent the political aspirations of their tribal communities, who cannot live peacefully under Manipur due to the violence and hatred against them. The hills of Manipur are mainly inhabited by the Christian Naga and Kuki-Zomi communities, while the valley has Hindu and non-tribal Meitei communities.
The recent violence, clashes, and arson in more than ten districts of Manipur were sparked by the demand to include the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribe category, which was opposed by the All Tribal Students’ Union of Manipur (ATSUM). The controversy began after the Manipur High Court directed the state government to submit a recommendation to the Union Tribal Affairs Ministry for the inclusion of the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribes list.
