Churachandpur, May 12: The United Kuki National Army (UKNA) has strongly opposed the proposed visit of Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh to Churachandpur district on May 15, warning that the move would be viewed as “highly provocative and unacceptable” by the Kuki people.
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| Undated file photo of armed Kuki militants posing with weapons at an undisclosed location in Manipur’s hill region. (File Photo) |
In a statement issued on May 11, the UKNA instructed village chiefs, community leaders and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Kuki areas to remain alert and coordinated ahead of the proposed visit.
The organisation stated that no individual or group should cooperate in facilitating the Chief Minister’s entry into what it described as “frontline areas.”
The UKNA further warned that if the Chief Minister proceeds with the visit, any untoward incidents or confrontation occurring during the programme would be the responsibility of those arranging or supporting it.
The statement also reiterated the group’s demand for a Separate Administration or a Union Territory with Legislature for the Kuki-Zo people and cautioned against any attempt by Meitei leaders or organisations to enter Kuki-dominated areas before a political solution is reached.
The organisation additionally urged government employees and state service personnel to prioritise what it termed their “national duty” over official duties connected to the Chief Minister’s proposed visit.
Meanwhile, the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and the Zomi Re-unification Organisation (ZRO), during a joint meeting held on May 11, reportedly resolved unanimously not to participate in or support any programme related to the Chief Minister’s proposed visit to Churachandpur on May 15.
The developments come amid continuing ethnic tensions and political uncertainty in Manipur following the outbreak of violence between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities in May 2023.
