Ukhrul, Feb 4: The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) has stated that reports alleging a First Information Report (FIR) against its president, Ch. Ajang Khongsai is false and has demanded a public apology from the social media platforms and news outlets that spread this information.
Certain media channels including national dailies had reported, citing government sources, that an FIR had been filed against Ch Ajang Khongsai, the Kuki Inpi President, in connection with the Lhungjang village incident. They had reported that in the incident, the mob not only obstructed the drive against poppy cultivation in the village but also reportedly attacked the security forces and damaged their vehicles. The sources had also linked Ch Ajang Khongsai to the incident and the village citing a government report.
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Denouncing the report that an FIR had been filed against their president as fake news, the Kuki Inpi Manipur stated that the recent surge of fake news circulating on social media and through various Manipuri news channels raises significant concerns. “Such misinformation appears to be a calculated attempt to tarnish the reputation of not only Mr. Khongsai but also the broader Kuki community,” the body said.
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The Kuki Inpi stated that it had taken a strong stance against the cultivation of poppy plants in the community, recognizing its serious implications. The body also stressed that it had issued clear directives in the past urging community members to refrain from engaging in poppy cultivation leading to a dramatic decrease in the cultivation. Therefore, portraying the Inpi president as a promoter of poppy cultivation is a severe misrepresentation having malicious intent to serve the false narrative fostered by the state government, it said.
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Further, the Kuki apex body stated that Ch Ajang Khongsai was unaware of the incident in his native village of Lhungjang on January 31 as he was away due to health-related issues. Thus, any claim that he participated in the event lacks credible evidence and support. It is crucial to rely on facts and conduct thorough investigations before making judgments.
The organization demanded a public apology from social media platforms and media outlets, emphasizing that the spread of misleading information harms reputations and undermines public trust. The body also urged the relevant authorities to take appropriate action to hold these entities accountable for their role in spreading false allegations and propaganda provided a genuine apology was not forthcoming.
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