IMPHAL, September 21: The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) has appreciated the State government’s decision to scrap the Gazette Notification for introduction of Village Development Committee and the proposed New Land Use Policy in the interests of the Kuki People in particular and the tribals in general today.
Speaking to media persons at a press conference in Kuki Inn, Imphal, KIM general secretary Khaimang Chongloi stated that KIM has been vehemently opposing the Gazette notification for the introduction of Village Development Committee and the proposed New Land Use Policy as both the policies were incompatible with the extant traditional land norms and practices of the Kukis.
Moereover, the policies could have proved detrimental to the age-old traditional village administration system of the Kukis which has been followed since time immemorial, he added.
KIM has held a series of meetings including consultations participated by various numbers of Kuki chiefs, public leaders and civil society organizations leaders in which the resolution of opposing the policies in toto were taken, avers the KIM general secretary.
Chongloi clarified that the Kukis are not against the State government but only against its policies. The policy of the so-called introduction of the VDCs would certainly make the traditional Kuki chieftainships and its village administration system obsolete.
KIM is deeply concerned about the embezzlement of funds meant for development schemes in the hills and the Kuki dominated areas, he said.
Claiming it unfortunate, he further gave an assurance that they will extend maximum co-operation to the government in its various other development schemes in the future.
The Kuki Inpi Manipur on behalf of the Kuki people once again expresses its sincere gratitude to the Chief Minister Okram Ibobi led government for calling off its decision to introduce the VDC and NLUP by respecting the sentiments and interests of the Kukis and its traditional customs and cultures.
At the same time, KIM also thanked all the Ministers, MP, MLAs and ADC members from the Kuki community for extending their unflinching support on the issue, Chongloi said.