Stating that there is a need for an unbiased introspection and analysis of the provisions of the Indian Constitution, PAPPM says “As you might be aware, the Meiteis outside Manipur is much more than combined population of Kuki-Zo in the world. What if the Meiteis start demanding a separate administration using the provisions of the Indian Constitution, say Article 3,
TFM Desk
In a sharp reply to the press release issued by Kuki Inpi issued on June 18, 2023, the People’s Alliance for Peace and Progress Manipur (PAPPM) has asked the Inpi not to “pull jokes at the expense of the departed souls”. PAPPM also stated that it was unfortunate, “the national and international media succumbed to the version of Kuki CSOs without verification or falsification”.
A press release issued by M Bobby Meetei of PAPPM said that Khamenlok is still an area that comes under the Khamenlok-Gwaltabi Reserved Forest Area earlier under Senapati district, now under Kangpokpi district. “Our ancestors, the Nagas (mostly Tangkhuls and Koms) and the Meiteis, used to collect firewood from this sacred place until the Kukis colonised it”, says PAPPM.
READ: FULL TEXT OF KIM PRESS NOTE JUNE 18_2023
PAPPM also stated that “when you quoted Article 3, you’ve only conveniently cited the clauses (b), (c), (d) and (e) that find suitable for your imagined homeland and omitted clause (a). Article 3 states, “Parliament may by law (a) form a new state by separation of territory from any state or by uniting two or more States or parts of States or by uniting any territory to a part of any State”. The Article further adds, “Provided that no Bill for the propose shall be introduced in either House of Parliament except on the recommendation of the President and unless, where the proposal contained in the Bill affects the area, boundaries or name of any State, the Bill has been referred by the President to the Legislature of the State for expressing its views thereon within such period as may be specified in the reference or within such further period as the President may allow and the period so specified or allowed has expired”.
Stating that there is a need for an unbiased introspection and analysis of the provisions of the Indian Constitution, PAPPM continued “As you might be aware, the Meiteis outside Manipur is much more than combined population of Kuki-Zo in the world. What if the Meiteis start demanding a separate administration using the provisions of the Indian Constitution, say Article 3, just as you’ve mistakenly done so?”
The organisation also reminded that “aggressions against other communities, such as in Manipur against the Kabuis and the Tangkhul during 1917–1919, against the Hmars in 1959–1960, against the Nagas in 1992–1997, against the Karbis in Karbi Anglong, Assam in 2003–2004?” PAPPM added, “Beyond this realm, you have been fighting with the Burmese (Myanmarese), the Shans and the Kachins in Myanmar. Further, in your jest to be called one of the lost tribes of Israel, few of your people has put as human shields at the Gaza Strip and fighting against the Arabs, Palestinians to be precise.”
READ: FULL TEXT OF PAPPM PRESS NOTE JUNE 20_2023