Opposing the Naga legislators’ demand to scrap the Suspension of Operations agreement, KIM said the ceasefire framework remains essential for political negotiations and peace.
BY PC Bureau
September 3: The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) has rejected allegations made by a group of Naga legislators against Kuki-Zo leaders and Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, calling them “unfounded” and warning that escalating rhetoric could further destabilise the state’s fragile security situation.
In a counter-representation submitted to Union Home Minister Amit Shah on September 2, the Kuki apex body also opposed the demand for the immediate abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki armed groups, arguing that the framework remains an important mechanism for maintaining ceasefire protocols and facilitating political negotiations.
The KIM said the ongoing unrest in the hill areas had to be viewed in the context of what it described as prolonged disruption, road blockades, harassment and isolation faced by Kuki-Zo civilians in mixed and border areas since the conflict began in May 2023.
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It alleged that violence against Kuki-Zo communities intensified with attacks on Gampal and Haijang villages on April 23, 2025, followed by an altercation in Litan-Sareikhong in Ukhrul. According to the organisation, violence on February 8–9, 2026, resulted in 23 Kuki-Zo villages being burnt or destroyed and 18 civilians being killed. These allegations are contained in the KIM representation and have not been independently verified.
The organisation strongly defended Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen against allegations of collusion with Kuki militant groups. It said accusing a constitutional authority without evidence, due process or a judicial finding was “improper and legally unsound”.
The KIM argued that elected representatives should not be held personally responsible for actions allegedly committed by non-state actors. It also said that if such a principle were applied, Naga legislators would similarly have to be held responsible for the deaths of 18 Kuki-Zo civilians and the destruction of 23 villages—an argument it used to underscore what it described as the need for “mutual accountability”.
At the same time, the Kuki body said it shared the grief over every innocent life lost in the ethnic conflict and called for all incidents of violence, ambushes and killings to be investigated “thoroughly, transparently, and independently” by central investigative agencies. It said perpetrators should be prosecuted in accordance with the rule of law rather than through public accusations or media rhetoric.
On the SoO agreement, the KIM rejected the Naga legislators’ demand for its immediate abrogation, saying the framework was established to maintain ground rules, enforce ceasefire protocols and provide a channel for political negotiations. It warned that dismantling the arrangement could undermine the existing peace process and heighten tensions.
The organisation urged legislators and other constitutional representatives to exercise restraint and promote dialogue instead of making unilateral accusations. It said public statements targeting particular communities could deepen mistrust and further complicate efforts to restore peace.
The KIM’s counter-representation also reasserted its political demand, saying the continued hostilities and breakdown of mutual trust had demonstrated that the Kuki-Zo and other communities could no longer peacefully coexist under a single state administration.
It urged the Centre to expedite a political process for the Kuki-Zo people in the form of a Union Territory with a legislature, describing it as an “immediate structural solution” aimed at securing their security, dignity and self-governance.
The representation was signed by KIM General Secretary Paotinthang Lupheng and President Ch. Ajang Khongsai.
The counter-representation came days after Naga legislators approached Shah seeking action against Kuki-Zo leaders and armed groups over alleged attacks on Naga civilians, including a demand for the abrogation of the SoO agreement.
