UKHRUL: The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) has distanced itself from chief minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh’s visit to Kangpokpi on Saturday, stating that the apex Kuki body was neither a party to nor involved in the visit.
KIM said the visit was undertaken at the invitation of certain district-level civil society organisations (CSOs) in Kangpokpi and was not made at the invitation, direction, authorisation or mandate of the organisation.
The KIM in a statement on Sunday said it strongly objected to the engagement, particularly in the context of the Kuki people’s movement for Separate Administration.
It clarified that the actions of the concerned district-level CSOs should not be construed as representing the collective position, consent or mandate of KIM or the Kuki people.
“KIM will not compromise, dilute, or barter away the political aspirations and collective interests of the Kuki people for temporary engagements, personal interests, or political expediency,” the statement said.
KIM also categorically rejected the chief minister’s visit and the engagements undertaken during the visit, maintaining that it remained committed to what it described as the political aspirations and collective mandate of the Kuki people.
KIM then urged the Kuki public to remain “clear, vigilant and united” on the matter, asserting that the political aspirations of the Kuki people could not be undermined through isolated engagements or unilateral actions.
The Manipur government on Saturday had announced the reopening of National Highways in the state for free movement of people from all communities and the resumption of the Imphal-Dimapur bus service. The announcement was made jointly by chief minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, deputy chief minister Nemcha Kipgen and Saitu MLA Haokholhet Kipgen at Kangpokpi district headquarters during the chief minister’s visit to the district.
The government in a press release described the move as part of its efforts to restore peace, stability and normalcy in the state.
