KTC states stand

IMPHAL, Jun 18
Ngamlal Doungel, Chairman, Kuki Tribes Council (KTC) has stated that KTC leaders have resolved to strongly oppose any move or decision that would threaten the status of people who subscribe to Any Kuki Tribes (AKT).
The statement was made by the KTC chairman during a meeting held today at Kuki Community Hall located in Langol.
Speaking at the occasion, Ngamlal Doungel on behalf of KTC expressed strong resentment over the 'evil intention' of some group with vested interests to delete AKT from the recognised scheduled tribes list of Manipur.
He stated that it is the primary duty of the State Government to ensure effective implementation of constitutional safeguards and other measures for protection, welfare and socio-economic development of scheduled tribes of Manipur. However, it has no authority to discard/delete any tribe from the list of the recognised scheduled tribes without any prior consultation or consensus from the people who subscribe or belong to that group, he asserted.
At present, there are over 32 sub-tribes who subscribe to AKT in Manipur and the State Government would be committing a big blunder if it meddles with their status guaranteed under an Act of the Constitution, he cautioned.
He also shared that AKT was delisted by Scheduled Castes & Scheduled Tribes Orders (Amendment Act 63 of 1956) but was relisted as Scheduled Tribe at entry 33 under the Scheduled Castes & Scheduled Tribes Orders Amendment Act 2002, Part X.
The chairman further alleged that the State Government was reluctant to uphold and protect AKT and added that it was apparent from the State Government's denial or exclusion of AKT from receiving any financial help from the State for the establishment of tribe-wise tribal museums.
Lastly, he reiterated the KTC's stand to oppose any move that threatens the rights of people belonging to AKT and made an appeal to leave AKT undisturbed so as to maintain the status-quo of the existing AKT.