ITLF urges Rahul Gandhi to work for political settlement in Manipur crisis

Imphal: The Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF), the apex body of the Kuki-Zo community in Manipur, submitted a memorandum to Opposition leader in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi during his visit to Churachandpur district headquarters on Monday.

In the memorandum, ITLF chairman Pagin Haokip stated that the Kuki-Zo minority could no longer live a dignified and safe life in Manipur due to the ongoing violence, which has continued for 14 months as of July 3, 2024.

The memorandum emphasized the need to achieve socio-economic and political goals through the political settlement outlined in the Congress party's manifesto.

The Congress manifesto, released before the 18th Lok Sabha election, pledges to remove the current BJP-led Manipur government, headed by Chief Minister N Biren Singh, and to heal the rift between the two warring communities.

It also promises to appoint a Reconciliation Commission to bring about a political and administrative settlement satisfactory to all the people of the state.

"We will ensure appropriate compensation and redress for the victims and survivors of the conflict in Manipur," the manifesto states.

The Kuki-Zo community expressed their gratitude to Rahul Gandhi for his continued leadership of the opposition in Lok Sabha.

"We appreciate your renewed efforts to put an end to the violence in Manipur and bring about peace in the region," the memorandum stated. The Congress Party has consistently supported the welfare of all Indians, particularly the oppressed tribal people, it said.

The ITLF also praised Rahul Gandhi for selecting Alfred Kanngam Arthur, Congress MP for the Outer Manipur Parliamentary Constituency, to represent the grievances of the Kuki-Zo people during this tragic and difficult period.