The SDSA condemns the Assam Rifles for facilitating armed Kuki militants, while the Kuki Students’ Organisation accuses SDSA of political interference. With accusations flying from both sides, the region remains on edge.
BY PC Bureau
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The Kuki Students’ Organisation – Sadar Hills has slammed the: disruptive” and “unwarranted” actions of the Senapati District Students’ Association (SDSA) leaders, who obstructed and frisked Pu Aaron Kipgen, spokesperson of the United People’s Front (UPF), during his routine travel for a scheduled meeting with the Director General of Assam Rifles.
1. Routine Meeting, Not an Escort
The Kuki Students’ Organisation has pointed out that the Suspension of Operations (SoO) groups are in ongoing talks with the Government of India, and as clarified by the Assam Rifles and the UPF spokesperson himself, this was a standard meeting, called as part of the government’s engagement with SoO groups. “There was no “escort” of militants, as falsely claimed by certain groups,” the Kuki student body said..
Hello SDSA,
If you’re going to blame Assam Rifles for escorting & transporting militants, let’s talk about ALL the times they did the same for #Meitei & #Naga groups—escorting NSCN-IM leaders around Ukhrul, Chandel, Tengnoupal, flying UNLF cadres in Indian Army helicopters from… pic.twitter.com/yF82XDk29J
— Min งึลมินธัง (@ngulmint) February 24, 2025
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2. Manufacturing Contrversy
The Kuki Student body accused the DSA leaders of attempting to create unnecessary controversy over a routine engagement. “Why is a student body interfering in political matters instead of focusing on student welfare? Their actions amount to nothing more than incitement and misrepresentation of “facts,” they said.
The SDSA leaders’ actions, as described, seem to be an attempt to provoke vested interests and intensify hatred against the Kuki zo people and the Assam Rifles. This behavior is not only uncalled for but also potentially harmful, as it may escalate tensions and create further divisions.,”they added.
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3. Double Standards on Escort
The Kuki student body said if the SDSA was truly concerned about Indian security forces engaging with armed groups, why was there no outrage when NSCN-IM leaders, including Muivah and Shimray, were escorted with full security, even while carrying arms?
“Shimray’s visit to Manipur is a classic example where the NSCN-IM cadres were seen moving with full arms freely during his movements in Manipur. Selective outrage and propaganda only serve to fuel tensions,” the statement said.
The Naga Students’ Association has exposed the Assam Rifles red-handed, escorting Kuki SoO terrorists.
This dubious relationship between @official_dgar and Kuki SoO terrorists is precisely why the #Meiteis have also called for the removal of the Assam Rifles from Manipur.
— Homer_Alt (@Gooner_Homer) February 24, 2025
4. SDSA Must Focus on Education, Not Politics
The Kuki students body went on to tell SDSA that as a student organisation it should focus on educational issues, not political meddling. “Its continued attempts to incite one community against another under the guise of student activism are unacceptable. Instead of playing divisive politics, SDSA should act as a peace-making body and work towards the betterment of students and education in Manipur,” the statement said.
“We urge all right-thinking citizens to see through this propaganda and call upon SDSA to act responsibly. Peace and constructive dialogue should be the priority, not unnecessary provocation, inciting and gaslighting one community against another,” the statement conckldued.
Earleir, A coalition of Naga organizations, including the Senapati District Women Association (SDWA), the Poumai Naga Naotumai Me (PNM), and the Naga People’s Organisation (NPO), has strongly condemned the Assam Rifles for escorting armed Kuki militants into Naga territories on the night of February 21-22.
The SDWA expressed deep alarm over the late-night movement of SoO militant leaders under full security cover provided by the Assam Rifles, calling it a threat to peace and stability in the district. The association demanded transparency from authorities regarding the reasons behind escorting armed groups into Naga areas and urged a firm commitment to maintaining peace.
