Imphal: As there is still no settlement or agreement to the conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, no one from either side must cross the Buffer Zone under any circumstances, said The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC).
The council, on Monday, issued a clarification to the Meitei public regarding ‘false claims and misinterpretations’ of its recent statement on National Highway NH-02 (Imphal to Dimapur).
“KZC has not declared the reopening of NH-02. No free movement has been permitted on this route.”
“Our request was only to the people of Kangpokpi to extend cooperation to the security forces as directed by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), in maintaining safety of commuters along NH-02,” the council said.
It warned that the Buffer Zone is to be respected at all costs. “Any violation will only lead to serious consequences and further deterioration of peace and security.”
It said it strongly condemns any attempt to twist or misrepresent their statement. Such deliberate distortion creates unnecessary confusion and mistrust at a sensitive time. “We urge the Meitei public to take note of the above facts and act with utmost responsibility.”
“In a significant decision, the Kuki-Zo Council has decided today to open the National Highway-02 for the free movement of commuters and essential goods. The decision came after a series of meetings between officials of Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and a delegation of KZC in the last few days at New Delhi. KZC has given commitment to cooperate with Security Forces deployed by GoI to maintain peace along NH-02,” said a PIB press release on September 4.
