Kuki-Zo students' body opposes new government in Manipur; demands separate adminstration
New Delhi (PTI): The Kuki Students' Organisation (KSO), Delhi and NCR, has expressed "firm opposition" to the installation of a new government in Manipur saying it lacks "moral or political legitimacy" in the eyes of Kuki-Zo people, who continue to endure displacement, insecurity, and trauma.
Members of the students' organisation held a protest at Jantar Mantar here on Saturday, seeking justice, rehabilitation and accountability for victims of the ethnic violence in Manipur.
In a statement, the group said the imposition of administrative normalcy without justice, accountability, and the consent of the affected communities is unacceptable, demanding a separate administration for the hill districts.
"The scale and sustained character of violence inflicted since May 2023 have created an irreversible political rupture," the students' body said, adding that the Kuki-Zo people no longer consider themselves as belonging to the political and administrative framework of the violence-torn state.
The KSO opposed the recent installation of a "so-called popular government" in Manipur, urging the Centre for immediate acceleration of political dialogue toward a Separate Administration under a Union Territory with Legislature (Article 239 A, Pondicherry model), ensuring autonomy and constitutional safeguards.
"This government does not carry moral or political legitimacy in the eyes of the Kuki-Zo people, who continue to live under displacement, insecurity, and trauma. The imposition of administrative normalcy without justice, accountability, and the consent of the affected community is unacceptable," the statement said.
The students' body also sought arrest and investigation against individuals and groups responsible for violence, including the leadership of Arambai Tenggol, and legal action to prevent further extremist activity.
It called for an investigation into the alleged leaked audio recordings involving former Chief Minister N Biren Singh, and accountability under due process of law, seeking justice and prosecution in all crimes committed against Kuki-Zo victims.
Sanctioning of critical infrastructure, including an airport in Kuki-Zo areas, to address severe transportation challenges, also found mention in its demands.
BJP leader Y Khemchand Singh was sworn in as chief minister of Manipur on Wednesday, ending nearly a year of President's Rule in the state.
BJP MLA Nemcha Kipgen, who belongs to the Kuki community, and Naga People's Front legislator L Dikho took oath as deputy chief ministers of Manipur.
President's Rule was imposed in the state after the BJP-led government headed by N Biren Singh dissolved on February 9 last year, following months of ethnic violence. The 60-member assembly, with its tenure till 2027, was put on suspended animation after imposition of President's Rule.
Manipur has been gripped by ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities since May 2023, after a 'Tribal Solidarity March' organised in the hill districts in protest of the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe status.
Since then, at least 260 people, including members of both communities as well as security personnel, have been killed in the violence, while thousands become displaced.
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Rupee falls 32 paise to all-time low of 95.20 against US dollar
Mumbai, Apr 30 (PTI): The rupee depreciated 32 paise to an all-time low of 95.20 against the US dollar in early trade on Thursday, weighed down by elevated Brent crude oil prices, hovering around USD 122 per barrel, and strong American currency.
Forex traders said the USD/INR pair may see further downside, as rising crude oil prices are likely to sharply impact India's import costs, while concerns over potential wider conflict in West Asia are fuelling investor anxiety.
Meanwhile, the US dollar added to gains after the US FED Reserve kept rates unchanged. Safe-haven demand was also boosted by another diplomatic setback between Washington and Tehran.
At the interbank foreign exchange market, the rupee opened at 95.01 against the US dollar, then lost some ground and touched an all-time low of 95.20 against the US dollar in initial trade, registering a fall of 32 paise over its previous close.
On Wednesday, the rupee depreciated 20 paise to close at an all-time low of 94.88 against the US dollar.
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"The main effect on the rupee has been from the rising oil prices, which touched USD 120 per barrel and looked headed for further upside as the US continues with its blockade of Iranian ports, while Iran does not allow any ship/tanker to pass through the Strait of Hormuz," said Anil Kumar Bhansali, Head of Treasury and Executive Director Finrex Treasury Advisors LLP.
Meanwhile, the dollar index, which gauges the greenback's strength against a basket of six currencies, was trading 0.01 per cent higher at 98.96.
Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, was trading higher by 3.16 per cent at USD 121.76 per barrel in futures trade.
On the domestic equity market front, Sensex tumbled 821.79 points to 76,674.57 in early trade, while the Nifty dived 287.3 points to 23,890.35.
Foreign Institutional Investors offloaded equities worth Rs 2,468.42 crore on Wednesday, according to exchange data.
"FPIs continue with their sale of Indian Equities and debt (the yield touched 7 per cent on Wednesday) and are also dollar buyers consistently," Bhansali added.
