A post by the Meitei Heritage Society calls the alleged summoning of police personnel by Kuki militants a “mockery of India and democracy,” reigniting debates over AFSPA, law enforcement, and governance in Manipur.
BY PC Bureau
Imphal, April 21, 2025 — The Meitei Heritage Society, a prominent civil society organization in Manipur, has raised fresh concerns about the erosion of law and order in the state, describing recent developments as a “mockery of India and democracy.” In a post published on X at 8:03 PM IST, the Society alleged that Kuki militants and their affiliates have summoned personnel from the Manipur Police — specifically those belonging to the Kuki tribes — for a meeting, despite Manipur being under President’s Rule and the presence of nearly 100,000 security personnel and the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in effect.
The post tagged Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, and other top officials, demanding urgent clarity and intervention. The claims stem from a notice allegedly issued by a fringe group like Kangchup Area Protection and Development Committee (KAPDC).
The letter, issued on KAPDC letterhead, is addressed to Kuki village chiefs as well as personnel from the Manipur Rifles, Indian Reserve Battalion, and the State Police. It states:
“On April 30th, 2025, all Kuki Chiefs are required to send individuals serving in the State Police to:
- Kanchi Area, Village Chits – KAPDC office in K. Ponlien
- Ru Lap, South West State Hills
This meeting has been arranged following detailed discussions with the Kuki militant groups. Therefore, if you love your land, we kindly request our Village Chiefs and Police personnel to attend the meeting without fail.”
— Signed by Minlen Titoum and Sasat Kipgen
The address provided in the letter traces back to Kangchup Ponlen, Kangpokpi District, an area that has seen heightened tension in recent months.
Rising Tensions and Escalating Conflict
This development comes on the heels of a series of incidents that underscore the deepening ethnic divide in Manipur. On April 14, thousands of Kuki-Zo women reportedly blocked Meitei pilgrims from accessing the sacred Thangjing Hills in Churachandpur district, citing territorial concerns. The Meitei Heritage Society condemned the blockade as “unconstitutional and provocative,” calling for immediate action from the state and central governments
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President’s Rule was imposed in February 2025 following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, with the aim of restoring stability after nearly two years of violence between the valley-dwelling Meiteis and hill-based Kuki-Zo tribes. However, the latest allegations suggest that militant factions continue to operate with significant autonomy, potentially undermining the authority of state institutions and the extensive central security presence.
Questions Over AFSPA and Governance
The situation raises serious questions about the enforcement of law and order in a region governed under AFSPA — legislation that grants sweeping powers to the military to quell insurgency. Despite its enforcement, the Meitei Heritage Society claims that militants are able to summon uniformed state forces to meetings, seemingly without consequence.
