The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the apex body of the Kuki tribes, has distanced itself from Manipur Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh’s recent visit to Kangpokpi, stating that it had no involvement in or mandate for the chief minister’s engagement in the district.
In a statement issued on August 9, KIM said the visit was undertaken at the invitation of certain district-level civil society organisations (CSOs) and not at the invitation, direction or authorisation of the apex Kuki body.
KIM strongly objected to the visit and the engagements held during it, particularly in the context of the Kuki community’s continuing demand for a separate administration.
The organisation said the actions of district-level CSOs should not be construed as representing the collective position or consent of the Kuki Inpi or the wider Kuki community.
KIM further maintained that it would not compromise or dilute the political aspirations and collective interests of the Kuki people for temporary engagements, personal interests or political considerations.
Urging the community to remain vigilant and united, the organisation said its political aspirations could not be undermined through isolated engagements or unilateral actions.
The statement was issued by D David Haokip, Assistant Secretary, Information and Publicity, Kuki Inpi Manipur.
