IMPHAL, Aug 21: Raising concern over FIRs filed against Kuki
academics, the apex body of the community in Manipur wrote
to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging him to take steps to
withdraw the cases.
In a memorandum to the prime minister, the Kuki Inpi Manipur
(KIM) alleged that several scholars, writers and leaders of the
community are under constant threat and harassment.
“The results of research works, academic engagement and
exercise of freedom of speech are responded with FIR and
cases. Manipur police have booked two Kuki assistant
professors of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and a retired
Colonel for the book they had edited and authored on the
Anglo-Kuki War 1917-19,” it said.
“Initiating legal suit against Kuki scholars is a clear reflection of
the bleak state of academic freedom in India. The charges
against our scholars are politically motivated, an attempt to
erase Kuki history. Besides, other Kuki leaders, social activists,
students’ organisation and scholars who write and speak for
the Kukis on different platforms are being booked in an attempt
to gag and stifle any voices from the Kukis,” it added.
KIM alleged such cases are part of a ploy to keep the Kukis
under subjugation.
“Things which are purely academics should be responded with
the same approach and academic freedom which plays a vital
role in strengthening democratic society should be protected,”
it said.
The KIM demanded that the cases filed against writers,
scholars, academicians and leaders of the community on the
basis of complaints by Meiteis with “malicious intents” be
withdrawn immediately.
It also urged the prime minister to act against “Valley Based
Insurgency Groups (VBIGs)”, their frontal organisations and
politicians who have nexus with them.
Ethnic clashes between the Kuki and Meitei communities broke
out in the state on May 3, and have been continuing for over
three months, leading to the deaths of over 160 people. (PTI)
