Kipgen demanded that the government brand Arambai Tenggol a terrorist organisation, calling its comments on peace talks “audacious and ironic.”
BY PC Bureau
November 13, 2025: The United People’s Front (UPF) — one of the two main umbrella organisations of Kuki–Zo armed groups currently under a ceasefire with the Centre — has sharply criticised the Meitei armed militia Arambai Tenggol for commenting on the ongoing peace talks between the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the UPF, and the Kuki National Organisation (KNO).
“Arambai Tenggol is a terror group and has no business to meddle in what the Government of India and Kuki–Zo representatives are discussing,” said UPF spokesperson Aaron Kipgen.
Kipgen said the UPF would urge the MHA to ignore the militia’s remarks and instead take action against its leaders and cadres for their alleged role in the May 3, 2023 violence and arms looting.
“It is astonishing that a terror outfit which spearheaded violence against the Kuki–Zo community now has the audacity to comment on our political demands,” he said. “Let them pat each other’s backs. We remain determined to pursue our objective of a Union Territory to its logical conclusion.”
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The UPF spokesperson further appealed to the Centre to designate Arambai Tenggol as a terrorist organisation, noting that its leader, Korounganba Khuman, is facing NIA cases for murder, arson, and arms looting.
“Here they are trying to comment on a peace process that the Kuki–Zo groups have initiated with the Centre. It is both ironic and unacceptable,” Kipgen added.
Kipgen was responding to a press statement issued by the Arambai Tenggol, which thanked the MHA for what it called the ministry’s “deep understanding of Manipur’s historical foundations that safeguard Manipur’s territorial integrity.”
In its statement, the Arambai Tenggol welcomed what it described as the MHA’s “clear and firm position” that no new Union Territory or Separate Administration would be created under any circumstances.
According to the group, the MHA had made it clear that the Government of India will neither support nor entertain any proposal for the creation of a new Union Territory or a separate administrative setup by bifurcating Manipur.
The group’s Public Relations Officer, Robin Mangang Khwairakpam, said the MHA’s stand “reflects a clear understanding of Manipur’s history, its delicate socio-cultural fabric, and the legal complexities involved in any attempt to divide the state.”
The statement also reiterated Arambai Tenggol’s long-standing demand for the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Manipur to identify and deport refugees and illegal immigrants, claiming that unchecked entry had caused demographic imbalance and unrest.
“By addressing this core issue,” the statement said, “the age-old harmony, brotherhood, and coexistence among the indigenous communities of Manipur can be revived and strengthened once again.”
The Arambai Tenggol reaffirmed its “unwavering commitment to the unity and integrity of Manipur” and called upon citizens to work collectively to restore peace, stability, and mutual respect among all communities.
