The Kuki Students’ Organisation General Headquarters (KSO-GHQ) has condemned remarks by Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, MP from Inner Manipur, questioning the Hill Areas Committee’s relevance in the Manipur Legislative Assembly. The KSO described the statements as “surprising and disappointing,” suggesting they either reflect misunderstanding of constitutional safeguards for tribal communities or an attempt to undermine them. Established under Article 371C of the Indian Constitution, the Hill Areas Committee is crucial for protecting the rights of tribal communities in the hill districts. The KSO emphasized that constitutional protections for tribal communities in Northeast India, evidenced by various articles like 371A, 371G, and 371B, are essential to safeguard land, identity, and governance systems.
The organization noted that without these protections, tribal lands could be at risk from decisions by majority groups. The management of land and governance has traditionally been rooted in customary tribal institutions, vital for tribal identity and culture. The KSO asserted that the Hill Areas Committee ensures that laws affecting hill districts are enacted only with the consent of elected representatives from Scheduled Tribe communities.
They warned that questioning the committee’s role could compromise trust among communities and hinder stability in Manipur, urging political leaders to be cautious with their statements. The KSO has called for immediate clarification from Akoijam and the Indian National Congress regarding their stance on constitutional protections for hill areas and tribal community land ownership rights. The organization reaffirmed that the rights of indigenous communities in Manipur are inherent and will be defended with unity and vigilance.