Apropos of the news report in Hindustan Times dated the 25 August 2023 under the caption, “No division of Manipur, in touch with Kuki MLAs: CM N Biren Singh”, it is hereby clarified by all the 10 Kuki-Zomi-Hmar MLAs that we have not been in touch with CM N Biren Singh since the outbreak of the communal violence in May 2023.
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Needless to mention the killings and complete mayhem since 3rd May 2023, a stark reminder may be made of Shri Vungzagin Valte, MLA and Adviser to the CM N. Biren Singh who was waylaid, lynched and left to die by Meitei extremist on the 4ª May 2023 in Imphal while returning from a meeting at the official bungalow of the Chief Minister. So far no enquiry or arrest has been made, nor any progress of investigation is reported till today. In fact, we do not want to repeat and face the same fate that our colleague had underwent. Of late, Imphal valley had become a “Valley of Death” for the Kuki-Zomi-Hmar people. The streets and roads of Imphal and its surrounding valley are dangerous for the Kuki-Zomi-Hmar people; even identity of Paramilitary personnel on duty are not spared, they were checked and verified by the so-called Meira Paibis. Our official quarters and private residences are either looted, attacked or burned by mobs.
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At this politically critical juncture, we do not have any intention to communicate with the CM N. Biren Singh.
His claim of communicating with the Kuki-Zomi-Hmar MLAs may be a ploy to sow seeds of mistrust and disunity between the Kuki-Zomi-Hmar MLAs and their people. It is true that on 16th August 2023, we have submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi, demanding a Separate Chief Secretary and Police Chief for the affected Hill Districts as temporary measures pending the ongoing political dialogue of SoO groups/ KNO-UPF with the Government of India.
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Therefore, once again we strongly reiterate our legitimate demand for creation of Separate Administration within the purview of the Indian Constitution in order to restore permanent peace and settlement.
(Joint Press Clarification published on August 25, 2023)
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