Kuki Inpi Manipur refutes Chief Minister's claims
Source: The Sangai Express
Kangpokpi, May 05 2024:
The Kuki Inpi Manipur has strongly denounced the recent statements made by Chief Minister N Biren Singh, concerning peace, illegal immigration, the environment, poppy cultivation, "unnatural villages," and looted arms.
Refuting the Chief Minister's assertions, labeling them not only misleading but also dangerously false, the Kuki's apex body also delved into the facts to support their stance.
With regards to Chief Minister N.Biren Singh's assertion that peace is returning to Manipur, the Kuki inpi Manipur stated that contrary to the CM's claims, the reality on the ground tells a different story, with escalating violence evident.
In connection with the assertion on illegal immigration, the Kuki's apex body emphasized that 'there are no illegal immigrants from Myanmar in Manipur, instead, the region sees an influx of refugees fleeing the junta's aggression, primarily seeking sanctuary in Mizoram, not Manipur' .
Over environment and Poppy cultivation assertion, Kuki Inpi Manipur stated that 'the Chief Minister's concerns about' poppy cultivation and its environmental impact are disin- -genuous and aimed solely at targeting the Kuki people' .
KIM then stated that accusations levied against the Kukis regarding their alleged role in degrading the environment through practices like jhumming or poppy cultivation are deemed unfounded and are seen as a deliberate attempt to divert attention from more pressing issues.
On the assertion of unnatural villages, the Kuki Inpi.
Manipur stated that the term "Unnatural Villages," used by N Biren Singh, highlighted his cultural insensitivity towards the Kuki traditions of establishing new villages for cultural and resource management purposes.
KIM stated that accusing these villages of being the result of illegal immigration is not only misleading but also highlights the Chief Minister's apparent lack of understanding and respect for Kuki customs and traditions.
The Kuki apex body stated that, 'While Chief Minister.
Biren Singh enjoyed the constitutional right to free speech, this right does not include the freedom to spread false nar-ratives that endanger minority communities while adding that his misleading statements about peace, illegal immigration, environmental issues, and security are designed to manipulate public opinion and maintain his grip on power' .