CHURACHANDPUR, December 2: SoO signatory groups UPF and the KNO in a joint appeal have said that the outfits are hurt by the fact that a tribal community has been forced to declare certain things against their wish.
The joint statement was signed by convenor Calvin H and co-convenor TS Haokip.
It said it is unfortunate to learn that, on November 20 a stone was erected at Aimol Satu, Chandel district stating that the Aimol is of the Naga tribe.
This, the joint appeal stated, was reportedly carried out under the pressure from certain armed group further adding “In this regard, the Kuki National Organization (KNO) and United People’s Front (UPF) would like to state that there is no better time than today where we should strive for tribal unity.
The Aimol tribe of Manipur is relatively a small community, their distinct existence, historical and ethnical rooms deserve to be appreciated by all in accordance with the international human rights philosophy.
“As we are aware the government of India and NSCN (IM) had signed a framework agreement and the KNO and UPF have also entered a very critical stage in the peace process. This political development is welcomed step collectively taken by the government and the concerned group for political survival of the tribal.”
We therefore fervently appeal to all concerned to desist from taking steps that can hurt the sentiments of other people and upset the peace process” the joint appeal stated.
Both the KNO and UPF will like to maintain cordial and mutual respect and peaceful co- existence will all community of Manipur, particularly with the other hill tribes of the State, it said.
Further it is our humble appeal to other armed groups to discontinue their adversarial activities toward the Aimol people in the interest of the larger tribal unity, it said.