Sir,
It is a very dissappointing fact that the State and Central Government intends to implement “The Manipur(Village Authorities in Hill Areas) (Amendment) Act, 2011” in the Hill Districts of Manipur.
Nobody will deny the fact that, the Constitution of India in its Fundamental Rights granted certain rights to its citizen for protection and Preservation of the Custom, Culture and Tradition of its citizen. It is also a plaudible fact that the Tribals in India constitute a major part of Indian population and in protection of the National Integrity. The Ministry of Development of Tribals and Backward classes had also been set up to look into the plight of the Tribals and other Backward Classes in India. The above points shows that the Government is taking a major role in protection of the Tribals. But it is an astonishing fact that the State and Central Government is now keen to implement “The Manipur(Village Authorities in Hill Areas) (Amendment) Act, 2011” in the Hill Districts of Manipur. The Government of India is Democratic form of Government in which the Citizens occupy the most important part in building up this mighty Nation but not Dictatorship.
The Government of India and Manipur should therefore keep in mind the plaudible sacrifices made by the brave Kukis in protection of the Integrity of India and shoukld not supress the rights, custom and culture of the Kukis by wearing the mask of the Good Samaritan. If the Kukis revolt against the said Act, the State and Central Government and even the most powerful Country could not stop or supress them. The State and Central Governments should also keep in mind that the Kukis cannot remain a silent spectator and that they patience may run out.
Moreover, the Chieftainship of the Kukis is hereditary and is not an elected form of administration. The form of the Kuki chieftainship had been an important Kuki Custom since ancient days. This form of Government cannot be abolished or amended by any Government or any agency whenever they pleased The British Government in India had also rerognised the form of the Kuki Chieftainship.This Custom of the Kukis is very much older than the present Indian Democratic from of Go vernment. Even the most powerful Kuki chief has no right to amend or alter the Kuki Custom as his wishes. As such, if the Kuki Chieftainship had to be abolished for enforcing the Manipur (Village Authorities in Hill Areas) (Amendment) Act, 2011 in the Hill Districts of Manipur, cent percent approval of the Kukis have to be obtained. Whereas, even if a single Kuki opposes the said Act, the act cannot be passed or the Custom cannot be altered and enforced. It can also be concluded that the Central and State Govt had also recognised the Kuki Chieftainship.
Therefore is is a right time that the Kukis around the globe unite and protect their rights to protect and preserve their Custom, Culture and Tradition.
Yours Faithfully
(William J.Haokip)
Former General Secretary
K.S.O. Moreh Block To,
(William J.Haokip)
Former General Secretary
K.S.O. Moreh Block