"How a state with a geographical area of 22,327 sq km could be divided. It is the homeland of over 32 communities. How can one say it is the land of the Meiteis or the Nagas or the Kukis? Manipur is the homeland of all communities...It is a democratic country but if a community raises a demand, it should not make another one suffer," Home Minister Gaikhangam told reporters here.
His statement came in the wake of a 12-hour bandh called by Kuki State Demand Committee today in Kuki inhabited areas to press for creation of 'Kukiland' out of Manipur.