The KSDC, which is demanding the creation of a separate Kuki state by carving out Kuki-inhabited areas in Manipur, has called an indefinite blockade on all state and national highways passing through Kuki-dominated areas in the state since Saturday evening.
Deputy chief minister Gaikhangam held talks with KSDC leaders in Imphal on Tuesday afternoon, but no solution was found to the impasse. The common people are bearing the brunt of the blockade as they are facing shortage of fuel and a mild commodity crisis.
The KSDC, however, exempted from the bandh candidates who are appearing for the ensuing Teachers' Eligibility Test (Tet) as well as participants of the 10-day Sangai (tourism) festival beginning Wednesday in Imphal.
KSDC general secretary Benjamin Mate said at a media conference in Churachandpur, 65km from Imphal, that their stir would continue until the Centre gives an official assurance that it would hold political dialogue with the KSDC and Kuki militant groups, currently under ceasefire.
"Deputy CM Gaikhangam informed us that the political dialogue between the Centre and Kuki militant groups would be initiated after the ensuing Parliament session and that central officials would be sent to Manipur to chalk out the modalities for the talks," Benjamin said.
"We appreciate Gaikhangam's initiatives, but we are not happy with the Centre's response. If the Centre is really serious about our demand, they should have officially invited us for a political dialogue, like they did with the Nagas. We will continue our stir until the Centre gives us official intimation that it would hold a dialogue with the leaders of Kuki militant outfits," he said.
Meanwhile, the UNC, while criticizing the KSDC, alleged that the KSDC was being sponsored by the state government.
"It is unfortunate that KSDC has vitiated the peaceful atmosphere in some areas of the foothills by intimidating Naga villagers to get them support the blockade and their demand," said UNC, the apex Naga tribal body in Manipur.
"We are closely observing every development at this critical juncture and all the constituent tribes are advised to remain alert and vigilant," UNC added. Commenting on all communities' political aspirations, the UNC said it has been the consistent position of the Nagas that the political aspirations of all communities drawn and evolved from their respective histories and situations should be mutually respected.
"Nagas have never been communal. It has been with this principle that Nagas have promoted and nurtured the rights movements of other communities in the state and region," the UNC said.
"Nagas will respect the aspirations of other ethnic groups provided their assertions do not sabotage our established historical position. Also, we clearly cannot compromise with claims that are without historical basis or justification," the UNC statement said.