BY PC Bureau
April 22, 2025: The Kangchup Area Protection and Development Committee (KAPDC) has issued a strong denial against allegations that it summoned Kuki village chiefs and police personnel for a meeting with militant groups, labeling the claims as “entirely baseless” and a deliberate attempt to mislead the public. The clarification comes amid concerns raised by the Meitei Heritage Society, which recently accused Kuki militants and their affiliates of orchestrating the meeting, calling it a “mockery of India and democracy.”
In a public notice dated April 21, 2025, the KAPDC, operating under the aegis of Unit-II Kuki Inpi South West, Sadar Hills, refuted a statement circulating in the Thadou-Kuki dialect. The statement in question allegedly claimed that “Village Chiefs in the Kangchup area are informed to send Kuki IRB, MR, and Police personnel to Kangchup area on April 30, 2025.” The KAPDC dismissed this as misinformation, asserting that it tarnishes the image of Kuki civil society organizations, including the Kuki Inpi and the KAPDC itself.
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Further, the KAPDC addressed a press release claiming the order was made with the knowledge of the Samhao (SoO) group, calling it “completely false.” The committee condemned the allegations as a calculated move to damage the reputation of the SoO group and undermine the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement, a tripartite peace deal involving Kuki militant groups, the state, and the central government.
“The public is hereby informed that the above-mentioned statement is unfounded and is part of a destructive agenda intended to defame the Kuki community, particularly the SoO leadership and the general public,” the KAPDC notice stated, signed by the Secretary of Information.
The controversy erupted after the Meitei Heritage Society posted on X at 8:03 PM IST, alleging that Kuki militants had summoned Manipur Police personnel of Kuki origin for a meeting, despite the state being under President’s Rule and the heavy presence of security forces under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA). The post tagged key officials, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, demanding immediate clarity and intervention.
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The alleged letter, issued on KAPDC letterhead, was addressed to Kuki village chiefs and personnel from the Manipur Rifles, Indian Reserve Battalion, and State Police, instructing them to attend a meeting on April 30, 2025, at the KAPDC office in Kangchup Ponlen, Kangpokpi District. Signed by Minlen Titoum and Sasat Kipgen, the letter claimed the meeting was arranged following discussions with Kuki militant groups.