KSO Churachandpur Condemns suspension of Kuki officials; Urges Guv to reinstate within 48-hours

The Kuki Students’ Organization Churachandpur, with great concern and dismay, strongly condemned the suspension of three Kuki government officials working with the Manipur Education Department.

The Government of Manipur on Friday placed Jangkhohao Haokip, ZEO, Churachandpur; Lhingtinneng, ZEO, Kangpokpi and L. Taithul, D.I of Schools, Samulamlan Block of ZEO, Churachandpur, under suspension with immediate effect.

In a press condemnation, the student body alleged that the three officials have been suspended for performing their duty, as they have committed no mistakes worthy of suspension. They are performing their assigned duty as concerned Educational officials, it said.

"The state government's suspension of three officials is nothing but an attempt to make the Kukis as scapegoats for the rampant inefficiencies and corruption prevalent in all the departments of the Manipur Govt. dominated by the Meiteis," KSO said, adding that such latest act of the Meitei government is only a natural extension of the long history of discrimination against the Kukis, and will definitely be not the last.

"This continuing discrimination against the Kukis is clearly seen in one of the recent speeches of the Meitei CM N Biren Singh wherein he has plans to suggest the removal of the Kukis from list of STs."

The Organisation also said that the partisan action of Manipur government not only disrupted the efficient functioning of public services but also raised questions about due process and fair treatment. The importance of transparent investigations, adherence to legal procedures, and the protection of individuals' rights should be emphasized, it stated.

KSO asserted that "suspension" should be a measure taken judiciously, based on credible evidence and in accordance with the principles of justice and fairness. Any deviation from these principles undermines the integrity of public administration and erodes public trust.

The state government in its order said the responsibilities previously managed by Lhingtinneng, the ZEO of Kangpokpi, will now be overseen by Joshi Lamkhohat Haokip, D.I., who is in charge of Saitu. Similarly, the duties formerly handled by Jangkhohao Haokip, the ZEO of Churachandpur, will be taken care of by Esther Chingneikim, D.I. in charge of Churachandpur.

Vehemently opposing such alterations, the Kuki Students' Organisation stated that it would resist the implementation of the government's order.

While urging for a prompt and unbiased inquiry into the accusations against Jangkhohao Haokip, the KSO Churachandpur appealed the Governor of Manipur, Anusuiya Uikey, to annul the suspension and reinstate the affected officials within 48 hours, emphasizing the cause of justice.