In a surprising move, the Kuki Inpi Saikul Defence Committee has imposed a steep financial penalty and a cultural obligation on volunteers wishing to quit their armed service. The new directive requires anyone wanting to leave the group to pay ₹2 lakh and organize a feast for the village, highlighting the increasing pressure on civilians in conflict zones.
BY PC Bureau
Pay ₹2 lakh and hold a feast for the village”—this is what a Kuki armed volunteer must do if they wish to abandon their post and stop taking up arms. The directive, issued by the Kuki Inpi Saikul Defence Committee, has raised concerns about the escalating pressure placed on civilians who are being coerced into participating in the ongoing conflict.
A letter dated January 16, 2025, reveals that the powerful Kuki Inpi is imposing hefty fines on volunteers who wish to leave their military service. The letter stipulates that any volunteer who wishes to quit must pay a substantial fine of ₹2,00,000 and organize a traditional feast for the village, a custom that holds cultural significance.
The Saikul Defence Committee, in its communication to the community, emphasized that the region’s volunteer numbers were increasing, but there was a strong push for more individuals to join the ranks. The Committee also urged volunteers to engage in tasks for the defense and safety of the community as tensions in the region continue to rise.
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“This is to inform the community that the Saikul Defence Committee is currently seeking volunteers to assist in various tasks. Volunteers will be engaged in specific duties for the defense and safety of the community. We urge those willing to serve to come forward and contribute as much as possible.
“The Defence Committee is actively seeking volunteers for various roles and tasks. The number of volunteers is increasing, but there is still a need for more. Volunteers are expected to pay a fee of ₹2,00,000 (Two Lakhs) and hold a feast as per tradition if they wish to quit their duties,” the letter said.
The letter, originally in Kuki language, was translated using Google Translate.
Saikul is a small village nestled within the Kangpokpi district of Manipur, India. Known for its lush green hills and scenic beauty, Saikul is home to various ethnic communities, primarily the Kuki people. The village is characterized by its traditional way of life, with agriculture being the mainstay of the local economy. Residents often cultivate crops like rice, vegetables, and fruits.
Saikul has faced its share of challenges, particularly in recent years due to ethnic tensions and conflicts in the region. However, the community remains resilient, striving to maintain its cultural heritage and foster peaceful coexistence among its diverse inhabitants.
The Kuki Inpi Saikul also communicated that the directive was issued to emphasize the necessity of protecting the land and the people, especially after the perceived betrayal by central forces in Jirbam and Saibam. It is made clear that the community must rely on its own efforts to safeguard their land, as the central forces have failed to protect them.
On 24.01.2025, a joint team of Manipur Police, CRPF, Forest Department and Executive Magistrate conducted illegal poppy cultivation in hill of Lhungjang village under Saikul PS, Kangpokpi District. During the destruction drive, approximately 35(thirtyfive) acres of illegal poppy… pic.twitter.com/yJVerzsOKm
— Manipur Police (@manipur_police) January 25, 2025
“We cannot rely on central forces to safeguard our land and people,” a Kuki activist explained to Power Corridors. “This directive is simply an acknowledgment that the conflict is ongoing and the situation is precarious. We must continue to defend our land ourselves,” he said.
For those outside Manipur, the Kuki Inpi is a socio-political organization representing the Kuki people, an ethnic group primarily residing in Northeast India and parts of Myanmar. Rooted in the traditional Kuki system of governance, which involved clan chiefs and village chiefs, the Kuki Inpi was revived in 1993 with the aim of safeguarding the interests and rights of the Kuki people. It functions as a network of Kuki leaders across different regions, advocating for their well-being and addressing challenges they face, particularly in the context of ethnic conflicts and the preservation of their identity and cultural heritage.
