UKHRUL: The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the apex body of the Kuki tribes, on Wednesday condemned the recent visit of MLA Yumnam Khemchand to the relief camp at Litan Sareikhong, Ukhrul district.
KIM alleged that the MLA’s visit to the relief camp, accompanied by a heavy security presence, raises serious questions about the sincerity and purpose of such gestures.
“For the Kuki people, who endured immense suffering and loss, this visit feels neither reassuring nor welcome, especially when hostilities remain unresolved and justice remains elusive,” KIM said in a statement.
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KIM alleged that the purpose of the MLA’s visit, who also travelled to Grihang village, after his stopover at Litan Sareikhong, remains unexplained, with no clarity regarding the objectives of the trip or the discussions that took place.
“Given the prevailing political circumstances, it is difficult to dismiss the growing concern that his actions may be aimed at fomenting tensions among the hill tribes, an approach consistent with the long-observed divide-and-rule tactics employed by the majority community,” KIM said in its statement.
It also alleged that the MLA’s cry for peace felt like nothing more than shedding “crocodile tears”
“It is deeply distasteful to see MLA Khemchand cry for peace today when he did nothing and remained silent during the course of the conflict. Such displays feel like nothing more than shedding crocodile tears,” KIM stated.
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Alleging that the recent visits appear to be political theatrics aimed at projecting a false narrative of “normalcy” and the possibility of forming a so-called popular government in the state, KIM stated that such visits seem designed to impress the central leaders.
“They seem designed to impress central leaders by creating the illusion that a Meitei MLA can now freely visit Kuki areas in the hills, that tensions have eased, and that peace has returned. At the same time, MLA Khemchand seems eager to position himself within the Meitei community as a bold political figure,” KIM stated.
KIM further reiterated that “Separate Administration for the Kuki–Zo people” remains the most appropriate. It also called upon the central government to prioritize justice over political gimmick.
“The central government must prioritize justice over political gimmicks. Instead of attempting to install a “popular government” that the Kuki people do not accept under the present circumstances, it must focus on delivering meaningful political and security guarantees. A Separate Administration for the Kuki–Zo people remains the most appropriate and just response that the central government can give to a community that has suffered genocidal acts and persecution,” it added.
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