Kuki Inpi Rejects COCOMI's Allegations, Calls for Immediate Union Territory Status for Kuki-Zo People

The Kuki Inpi has issued a strong condemnation of the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) for what it calls a "false and baseless" claim that the Kuki-Zo community instigated the ongoing conflict in Manipur. The Kuki Inpi, which represents the Kuki-Zo people, denounced the allegation as a deliberate attempt to distort history and mislead the public, claiming that the true perpetrators of the violence are being allowed to escape accountability.

In a statement issued on January 25, 2025, Janghaolun Haokip, Secretary for Information & Publicity of the Kuki Inpi, said that COCOMI's accusations are part of a broader agenda to deflect responsibility from the radical Meitei leadership, who they accuse of inciting violence against the Kuki-Zo people. According to the Kuki Inpi, COCOMI is a key instrument in the Meitei leadership’s propaganda campaign, which began with a declaration of a so-called "Manipuri National War" against the Kuki-Zo people on June 7, 2023.

Since the onset of the conflict on May 3, 2023, the Kuki-Zo community has endured widespread violence, including killings, the destruction of villages, and the burning and looting of homes and properties. The Kuki Inpi pointed to the complicity of the state government under Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and its support for radical militias, which they say has enabled this wave of persecution.

The Kuki Inpi is calling for the immediate creation of a Union Territory for the Kuki-Zo people to ensure their protection, culture, and identity are safeguarded. They argue that this is the only viable solution to end the violence and provide justice for the community. The Kuki Inpi also demanded that the Meitei leadership cease their campaign of violence, propaganda, and obstruction of justice.

"This conflict is not just about territorial disputes; it is about the survival of our community. We demand the recognition of our rights and dignity. Any further attempts to suppress or marginalize us will only deepen the crisis," the statement read.

The Kuki Inpi’s call for a Union Territory comes at a time when tensions in the region continue to escalate, with both sides accusing each other of provoking violence and inflaming the situation.

The statement concludes with a call for peace, justice, and recognition of the rights of the Kuki-Zo people, urging the government of India to take immediate action to protect the community from further harm.