BY PC Bureau
April 9, 2025
The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), one of the apex bodies of the Kuki tribes, issued a strongly worded press release today, condemning recent statements made by former Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh. The organization accused Singh of making misleading claims that contradict his earlier positions and exacerbate tensions in the conflict-ridden state.
KIM also reiterated its long-standing demand for separation from the Manipur state government, advocating for direct administration under the Union Government in the form of a Union Territory.
The press release, signed by Janghaolun Haokip, Secretary of Information and Publicity for Kuki Inpi Manipur, expressed deep concern over Singh’s assertion that he holds control over both the hill districts and valley regions of Manipur. KIM labeled this claim as not only misleading but also contradictory to Singh’s earlier acknowledgment of a clear division of administrative responsibilities between himself and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. In June 2023, Shah had taken direct responsibility for the administration of the hill districts, a move prompted by escalating ethnic violence in the state following violent clashes on May 3, 2023.
“Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah assumed direct responsibility for the administration of the hill districts,” the press release stated. “This move was made in response to the urgent need for impartial and effective governance in these conflict-ridden regions.”
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KIM noted that Singh was instead tasked with restoring peace in the valley, a role the Kuki-Zo community welcomed at the time as a step toward justice and fairness following the May 2023 violence, which had eroded their trust in the Manipur state government.
According to the press release, Singh’s remarks reflect a “disturbing pattern of shifting responsibility and avoiding accountability,” which KIM believes is intended to mislead and manipulate public perception. The organization called on Singh to refrain from making such statements, as they distort the truth, diminish the Union Government’s role, and jeopardize ongoing efforts toward peace and reconciliation in the region.
The press release also highlighted the establishment of buffer zones between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo areas, a measure initiated by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to curb large-scale violence and save lives. These zones, KIM stated, remain crucial in de-escalating tensions and providing a semblance of order amid the ongoing conflict.
Kuki-Zo Community’s Demand for Separation
In light of these developments, KIM reaffirmed the Kuki-Zo community’s resolve to seek separation from the Manipur state government. The organization emphasized that direct administration under the Union Government, in the form of a Union Territory, is essential for safeguarding the rights, dignity, and future of the Kuki-Zo people. “The Kuki-Zo people will continue to strive for it to the end,” the press release concluded, underscoring their unwavering commitment to this goal.
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The demand for a separate Union Territory has been a long-standing issue for the Kuki-Zo community, particularly in the wake of the 2023 violence, which they believe exposed the state government’s inability to govern impartially. The establishment of buffer zones and the Union Ministry’s direct involvement in the hill districts have been seen as temporary measures, but KIM insists that a more permanent solution is necessary to ensure lasting peace and justice.
Broader Context
The ethnic conflict in Manipur, particularly between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, has deep historical and political roots, often centered around issues of land, political representation, and cultural identity. The violence that erupted on May 3, 2023, was triggered by a Manipur High Court order recommending the inclusion of the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribes list, a move opposed by the Kuki-Zo and other tribal groups who feared it would encroach on their rights and privileges. The ensuing clashes led to widespread unrest, prompting the Union Government to intervene.
The Kuki Inpi Manipur’s press release underscores the ongoing challenges in achieving reconciliation in the state and highlights the deep mistrust between the Kuki-Zo community and the Manipur state government under N. Biren Singh’s leadership. As tensions persist, the call for a separate Union Territory reflects the community’s desire for a governance structure that they believe will better protect their interests and ensure their safety.
