KIM debunks CM Biren's claims
Source: Chronicle News Service

Kpi , May 05 2024: Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) strongly contested the recent remarks made by chief minister N Biren concerning peace, illegal immigration, poppy cultivation, unnatural growth of villages and looted arms.

Refuting the chief minister's remarks published in some dailies, KIM called N Biren's claim as not only misleading but also dan -gerously false.

With regard to the CM's contention of return of peace in Manipur, KIM dismissed the assertion as quite contradictory on the ground as violence has been escalating and Kuki villages facing relentless attacks.

On illegal immigrants, the KIM said chief minister's narrative was gross misrepresentation with derogatory terms aimed at demonising a specific community without substantiated data.

Clarifying on the matter, the Kuki apex body emphasised that there are no illegal immigrants from Myanmar in Manipur.

Instead, the region is experiencing influx of refugees fleeing the Junta's aggression in Myanmar, primarily seeking sanctuary in Mizoram, not Manipur, the KIM said.

Highlighting the visa-free access Myanmar citizens enjoy in ASEAN countries like Singapore and Malaysia, KIM argued that if illegal mi gration were a concern, these destinations would be more preferable due to better job opportunities and economic prospects.

Contrary to chief minister's assertions, the KIM clarified that Manipur does not harbour any refugee.

On environment and poppy cultivation, the KIM stated that Biren Singh's concerns about poppy cultivation and its environmental impact are disingenuous aimed solely at targeting the Kuki people.

Accusations levelled against the Kukis regarding environment degradation through practices like Jhumming or poppy cultivation are deemed unfounded and are seen as a deliberate attempt to divert attention from more pressing issues, the KIM alleged.

On the unnatural growth of villages, the KIM said CM Biren Singh's use of the term 'unnatural villages' highlighted his cultural insensitivity towards the Kuki traditions of establishing new villages for cultural and resource management purposes.

It continued that these villages, a result of traditional practices like Inchon', are essential for managing resources and sustaining livelihoods in resource constrained hill environment.

Accusing these villages of being the result of illegal immigration is not only misleading but also highlights Biren Singh s apparent lack of understanding and respect for Kuki customs and'traditions, the KIM maintained.

On CM Biren's assertion of looted arms, KIM stated that justification for arming Meetei youth under the guise of self-defence against so-called 'Kuki militants' is not only irresponsible but also indicative of Biren Singh's failure in governance.

Comment