Churachnadpur: The Indigenous Tribal Leader Forum (ITLF) expressed its remorse and apologized to the Kuki Zo people for their involvement in the conflict with the Meitei people in Manipur. In an official statement, the ITLF, a prominent organization dedicated to the well-being and unity of indigenous communities, acknowledged their regrettable actions that led to the manipulation and unintended engagement of innocent Kuki Zo individuals in the unfortunate conflict.

With a deep sense of responsibility, the organization recognized that its primary mission is to promote harmony, mutual respect among diverse indigenous communities, and the pursuit of peace and coexistence. They expressed their heartfelt acknowledgment of the failure to uphold these fundamental principles, which unintentionally affected both the Kuki Zo and Meitei communities.

In light of these circumstances, the ITLF extends its sincerest apologies to the innocent Kuki Zo people, whose trust was misplaced, and who found themselves inadvertently entangled in the conflict. They pledge to rectify the situation through a series of actions, including initiating an open dialogue between the two communities, implementing restorative measures, and conducting a transparent review of their organizational processes and decision-making structures.

The violence in Manipur emerged between the Hindu Meiteis and the Christian tribal Kuki communities following a rally organized by the All Tribal Students Union of Manipur (ATSUM) on May 3. The ongoing violence has gripped the entire state for over a month, necessitating the deployment of paramilitary forces by the Central government to restore control.

The conflict in Manipur originated from the demand for the inclusion of the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category. As the majority community residing in the Imphal Valley and nearby areas, the Meiteis faced increased pressure due to their growing population and the subsequent demand for land. Since only STs are allowed to purchase land in hilly areas, seeking ST status became crucial for them to access land in those regions.

Furthermore, it is worth noting that the plea of the Manipur Tribal Forum to safeguard the Kuki tribe through the intervention of the Indian Army in the state was declined by the Supreme Court on Tuesday.

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