KSO, KIM dismiss CM's peace talk claim, demand proof
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 11 2024: While expressing that it is not aware or has knowledge about commencement of peace talk between the government and Kuki-Zo organisations as recently stated by chief minister N Biren, Kuki Students' Organisation (General Headquarters) has asked CM Biren to disclose the precise detail regarding organisation or individuals involved in the peace negotiation, if any.

In a statement issued aftermath the CM's statement on Wednesday regarding initiation of talks between representatives of the two warring communities - Meetei/Meitei and Kuki-Zo, KSO said, "If it's real, we seek transparency and accountability from the CM regarding these negotiations emphasising the importance of truthfulness in revealing this information" .

KSO said that they are not aware and have no knowledge of any peace talks involving the CM or any valley based CSO, while accusing the CM of indulging in media stunts to save his own skin from the wrath of the Centre and the public in general.

KSO clarified that till date, there has been no formal invitation from any government agencies regarding any negotiation for peace talks and reiterated that the CM cannot assert such negotiations for peace talks without the involvement and presence of the Central government and knowledge of the Kuki CSOs.

Furthermore, KSO contended that the "ethnic conflict" narrative is misleading aimed at concealing the government's misdeeds.

KSO maintained that it is not an ethnic flare-up but conflict against the government of Manipur who uses its own radical groups to occlude and choke-up the emotional and rational discontentment of Kuki-Zo people, adding that the situation forced them to demand a separate administration to safeguard their own existence.

In a separate statement, Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) clarified that there is no peace talks between the Kuki-Zo people and the Meeteis.

KIM said that it is utterly taken aback by the supposed Peace Talks' held between the Kuki-Zo representatives and the Meeteis.

Kuki Inpi as the apex body of the Kukis has no knowledge of any peace talks held as mentioned by the chief minister N Biren, clarified the statement.

Rather, the Kuki Inpi will remain committed to its resolve for a political boycott of the Manipur state government, the statement said, while charging the government of orchestrating and perpetrating persecution against the Kuki-Zo people.

It also accused the state government of continuing to utilise its machinery in its campaign against the Kuki-Zo people to inflict untold damage.

"On that account a supposed Peace Talk between the Kuki-Zo people and the Meeteis can only be termed as overly optimistic" .

KIM further said that the Kuki-Zo people who have been victims of the state-sponsored violence cannot negotiate with the oppressors for justice and equality for its people.

A demand for Union Territory with a legislature for the Kuki-Zo people has long been forwarded to the Government of India for constitutional course of action and the Kuki-Zo people is only resolute to commit to the same until its fulfilment, the statement added.

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