GUWAHATI: Assam’s Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) has facilitated the return of 700 Kuki-Zo people to Manipur, who sought refuge in the district following the ethnic violence that broke out in 2023. This was revealed by KAAC’s Chief Executive Member (CEM) Tuliram Ronghang on Wednesday, November 27.
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Ronghang said the KAAC covered travel expenses and arranged for buses with security escorts to transport the returnees. Efforts are still underway to assist return of around 1,000 more Kuki-Zo individuals, including 400 families, currently residing in the Singhasan Hills and Borjan areas.
“We will not forcefully evict them but will facilitate their return through discussions with social and political organisations, including the Kuki community,” Ronghang said. However, he clarified that land allotments in Karbi Anglong would be restricted to indigenous residents or long-standing permanent settlers. “We will not allow land rights to those who migrated from outside, particularly those who arrived from Manipur due to the violence,” Ronghang added.
A meeting has been further scheduled between Ronghang and the Kuki community for Thursday, November 28, to deliberate on the issue, with the former expressing hope for an amicable resolution.
However, J I Kathar, president of the All Party Hill Leaders Conference (APHLC), criticised Ronghang’s earlier statements as “irresponsible,” arguing that the Kuki-Zo migrants had fled to Karbi Anglong seeking safety from violence in Manipur in the first place.