Dimapur, Oct. 30 (EMN): A delegation of Thadou Inpi, General Headquarters (Manipur), led by its president Lamminthang Kipgen and four others including Michael Lamjathang Haokip, secretary general, Thadou Students’ Association (TSA) met with AB Mathur, Retd IPS, Interlocutor (Govt. of India), Indo-Kuki talks at New Delhi on Wednesday, October 30 and discussed various critical issues at the crucial stage of finalisation of Indo-Naga peace talks.
An update on Wednesday by Seikholen Singsit, secretary (i/c) department of information & publicity
Thadou Inpi, General Headquarters stated that the delegation, on behalf of Thadou people, the largest tribe of Manipur, apprised Mathur about their desire for the Government of India to conclude the Indo-Kuki talks simultaneously with the Indo-Naga talks which is widely reported to be finalised on October 31.
The Thadou delegation also highlighted the overlapping settlement of the Kukis and Nagas in Manipur and stressed its strong objection if there is any plan to give away Thadou inhabited land by way of boundaries or territorial council in the event of final Naga political settlement. The delegation emphasised the need for mutually acceptable solution to both Kuki and Naga political problems on the basis of equal respect, equal treatment and equal recognition of the political aspirations of both communities for genuine and permanent peace and solution in north-east India.
In view of the political developments against the backdrop of the process of finalisation of Indo-Naga peace talks, the Thadou people, as a major stake holder, are compelled to assert their rights to their land, culture and identity and thus the call for finalisation of Indo-Kuki talks at the same time as finalisation of Indo-Naga talks.
During the meeting that lasted for 2 hours, Mathur acknowledged that the issues raised by the delegation are legitimate and assured that they would be addressed at the most appropriate level in a timely manner.
