Following the submission of a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi through Governor Anusuya Uikey on Wednesday by the United Naga Council (UNC) and the Coordination Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) over growing concerns of illegal immigrants issue in the State, the Kuki Inpi Manipur, has issued a statement in regard to the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in the State.
The organization has categorically said that “Manipur state government and the Meitei leadership may implement NRC at any time of their convenience and in any manner as deemed fit within their own territorial bounds clearly marked by the buffer zones.”
The Kuki Inpi Manipur, the apex body representing the Kuki people, clarified that the issue of implementing NRC within Manipur does not concern the Kuki-Zo people, who, KIM said, have been forced out of the state and have petitioned the Government of India for constitutional protection through the creation of a Union Territory with a legislature for the Kuki-Zo people.
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The Kuki apex body however said, if the central government decides to implement NRC in Kuki-Zo inhabited regions, the Kuki Inpi will not oppose such efforts, provided they adhere to constitutional rules and principles.
The organization has stressed that any process of identifying illegal immigrants must be conducted with due consultation with the Kuki Inpi Manipur. They stated that any illegal immigrant, whether Kuki, Naga, or Meitei, should be dealt with according to the established laws of the country.
The Kuki Inpi Manipur also highlighted the immediate need for a political settlement as a priority, and a fulfilment of their “demand for a lasting political solution.” KIM also condemned the actions of the Meitei leadership under N Biren Singh, accusing them of oppression and persecution that has resulted in significant loss of life and property among the Kuki-Zo people.
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The statement further clarified that the “Meitei State leadership under N Biren Singh; responsible for the oppression and persecution of our people; causing the loss of 186 precious lives; the arson and destruction of more than 7,000 houses, rendering more than 41,000 Kuki-Zo people homeless has no legitimate say and authority over the future of our people. The Kuki Inpi remains compelled to reiterate that the demand for a Union Territory with legislature is the only solution to safeguard the Kuki-Zo people from the incessant threat posed by the chauvinist Meitei State leadership, and to safeguard the constitution and with it; the founding principles of this great country.”