Kuki MLAs Criticize State Cabinet Resolutions, Call Them Divisive, Biased, and Communal in Nature

The ten Kuki MLAs have issued a press statement responding to the resolutions adopted during the meeting of the "Ruling MLAs of Manipur" held on November 18, 2024. The Kuki representatives have raised concerns over the resolutions, highlighting various issues they see as divisive, biased, and communal in nature.

Divisive State Cabinet Resolution

The Kuki MLAs strongly condemned the endorsement of decisions made by the State Cabinet on November 16, 2024. They called the resolutions divisive, one-sided, and communal, claiming that they were being pushed by the Chief Minister to further a separatist agenda. The MLAs criticized the Cabinet for taking into account the views of fringe elements, specifically those claiming to represent the Thadou and Hmar tribes, and argued that this reflects a broader agenda against the interests of the Kuki people.

Call for Review of AFSPA and its Expansion

The MLAs expressed concerns about the imposition of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) on November 14, 2024, and called for its immediate review. They argued that AFSPA should be extended to the remaining 13 police jurisdictions in Manipur's Imphal valley to facilitate the recovery of over 6,000 sophisticated weapons looted by Meitei militias since May 2023. The MLAs stressed that this action was long overdue to curb violence in the region.

Call for Mass Operations Across the State

While criticizing the one-sided mass operations against a single community, the Kuki MLAs insisted that mass operations should be conducted throughout the state to recover all illegal arms from all militia groups, not just one community.

Demand for NIA Investigation into Civilian Killings

The MLAs criticized the resolution demanding that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) take over the investigations into the deaths of six civilians. They called for a broader scope, recommending that the NIA should take over investigations into all civilian killings across the state since May 3, 2023, covering both the valley and hills areas.

Criticism of "Kuki Militants" Declaration

The Kuki MLAs strongly opposed the resolution asking the Government of India (GoI) to declare "Kuki Militants" responsible for the killings of six civilians. They urged that such a declaration should be preceded by similar actions against the Arambai Tenggol and Meitei Leepun groups, which they argued should be declared unlawful organizations under the relevant laws.

Concerns Over Jiribam Incident

The MLAs expressed concerns that the State Government was exploiting the Jiribam incident to suppress the rights of the disadvantaged tribal community. They also warned that this could embolden the government to escalate tensions, even threatening the central NDA government.

Call for Political Dialogue

The Kuki MLAs reiterated their call for the Centre and State Government to take immediate action to restore peace and normalcy in Manipur by initiating political dialogue. They stressed that lasting peace could only be achieved through inclusive and constructive conversations that address the grievances of all communities.

Condemnation of Attacks on Meitei MLAs

The Kuki MLAs also condemned the attacks, burning, and looting of the homes and properties of Meitei MLAs and Ministers by Meitei mobs. They called for a high-powered committee to investigate the role of political parties, individuals, and Meitei Civil Society Organization (CSO) leaders, accusing them of secessionist tendencies and exploiting the situation for political gain.

The MLAs expressed concerns that these developments were part of a broader political vendetta designed to escalate violence and tensions in the state, all while serving to protect the fragile position of the Chief Minister. They called for swift and fair action to prevent further bloodshed.