KIM alleges bias in security plans
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, May 20 2025: Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) has contended that the deployment of security forces exclusively along the route from Yaingangpokpi to Ukhrul reflects a narrow perspective of the government regarding the ongoing situation in Manipur.

According to a KIM statement, the government's decision exemplifies a troubling prioritisation as it only addresses the safety and interests of the Meetei community attending the Shirui Lily festival in Ukhrul, while out-rightly neglecting the Kuki-Zo people.

"This is an indication of governmental acknowledgement that the Kuki-Zo territories are no longer an integral part of Manipur," it said.

Being officially acknowledged as a state festival, all communities across the region should be invited for participation at Shirui Lily festival.

As a tribal festival, it attracts other tribal groups including the Kuki-Zo people.

Therefore, it was essential for the government to extend its security provisions to all communities.

By failing to provide adequate security from areas such as Moirang to Ukhrul and Kanglatongbi to Ukhrul, the government is alienating the Kuki-Zo community and making sure that Kuki-Zo people cannot participate in the event even if they want to.

Instead, the government is appeasing the majority Meetei community and looking into their interests and concerns, the KIM alleged.

The statement further said that there was strong expectation among the people that the present President's Rule regime prioritises impartiality and inclusivity but the reality has proven otherwise.

A significant indication of this shortfall has been the exclusion of Kuki-Zo community from formal invitations by the government to the festival.

If the government s intentions are genuinely benevolent, it is essential for them to deploy security personnel in a manner that ensures the safe passage of all communities wishing to participate in the festival.

The security arrangement designed to ensure the safe passage of only the valley community during the Shirui Lily festival significantly undermines the festival's essence of inclusivity when the government has a responsibility to ensure that all communities can participate in the festival, the KIM added.

Comment