Kuki Apex Body Directs State Govt. to Implement NRC At Their Own Territorial Boundary Marked By Buffer Zones

In a subtle reply to the Manipur state government and the Meitei leadership pushing for the implementation of NRC in Manipur, the apex body of the Kuki people, the Kuki Inpi has directed the Manipur state government and the Meitei leadership to implement NRC at any time of their convenience and in any manner as deemed fit within their own territorial bounds clearly marked by the buffer zones.

“The Manipur state issue in no way concerns the Kuki-Zo people who have been forced out of Manipur state and were compelled to petition their grievances to the Government of India for a constitutional protection in the creation of a Union Territory with Legislature for the Kuki-Zo people," Kuki Inpi said.

Clarifying their position in regards to the demand for NRC implementation, the Kuki Inpi said if the central government perceives any need for implementation of NRC in the Kuki-Zo inhabited regions; the Kuki Inpi will not dispute any such genuine efforts for identification and necessary actions as per constitutional rules and principles; provided that it is carried out under strict supervision of the Supreme Court and in due consultation with Kuki Inpi Manipur. Subsequently, any illegal immigrant so found; whether a Kuki, Naga or Meitei, may be thoroughly dealt with as per established laws of the country.

However, the Kuki Inpi would like to stress the immediate need for political settlement above all other matters of importance -a fulfillment of our demand for a lasting political solution. The unwarranted and brutal hostilities against our people by the Meiteis under the dictatorship of N Biren Singh must end; and only then a procedural conduct of NRC in Kuki-Zo inhabited reasons can be justifiable and viable, said a statement issued by the Kuki Inpi today.

The Kuki Inpi herewith clarifies that the Meitei State leadership under N Biren Singh; responsible for the oppression and persecution of its people; causing the loss of 186 precious lives; the arson and destruction of more than 7,000 houses, rendering more than 41,000 Kuki-Zo people homeless has no legitimate say and authority over the future of the Kuki people. The Kuki Inpi remains compelled to reiterate that the demand for a Union Territory with legislature is the only solution to safeguard the Kuki-Zo people from the incessant threat posed by the chauvinist Meitei State leadership, and to safeguard the constitution and with it; the founding principles of this great country, it added.