Ukhrul, August 8: The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the apex body of the Kuki tribes, has strongly objected to the recent visit of a 17-member delegation of the Thadou Inpi Manipur (TIM) to Imphal, calling it illegitimate and unauthorised.
In a press release issued on Thursday, KIM clarified that TIM holds no mandate to represent the Kuki people in any peace talks, particularly in relation to the ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur. The delegation reportedly engaged with Meitei civil society organisations during their August 6 visit to the state capital.
KIM, in alignment with the Thadou Inpi General Headquarters, reaffirmed that TIM and any individuals acting under its name are not recognised by the wider Kuki community. It referred to three resolutions—the Inpi Proclamation of July 2023, the Delhi Conclave Declaration of October 2023, and the Shillong Summit Resolution of August 2024—as the basis for its position.
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The Thadou Inpi Manipur stands ostracised from the Kuki community and declared enemies of the Kuki people for undermining the collective struggle and aspirations of the community, the statement read.
Kuki Inpi Manipur accused TIM of distancing itself from the Kuki identity and lacking both legitimacy and moral authority to speak on behalf of the community.
KIM also questioned the intent behind the delegation’s visit, stating that engaging in talks without the involvement of community-mandated representatives risks diluting the gravity of the injustices faced by the Kuki people, including displacement, persecution, and systemic marginalisation.
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Peace cannot be built on exclusion, misrepresentation, or betrayal, KIM stated, urging that any dialogue process must include voices genuinely mandated by the community.
The organisation called on all stakeholders—local, national, and international—to recognise the Kuki Inpi as the authentic voice of the Kuki people and to reject what it described as “fringe elements” attempting to distort or hijack the community’s demand for justice, safety, and security.