Kuki Inpi decries Amit Shah's remarks in Parliament
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, August 14 2023:
Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) has expressed its discontentment over the recent statement made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah during the monsoon session of Parliament on August 9.KIM has termed Shah's remarks as deeply shocking and unwarranted.
In an official statement, Kuki Inpi Manipur maintained that Shah's assertion was both unfortunate and disconcerting, given its speculative nature and lack of substantiated proof or evidence.
The organisation strongly asserted that the ongoing crisis in the state bears no connection to the supposed influx of Kukis into Manipur or Mizoram.
The alleged insecurity of Meeteis regarding the influx of Kukis from Myanmar was characterised as an exaggeration driven by jealousy and antagonism, lacking any substantial basis.
Moreover, KIM refuted any claim that Kukis residing outside Manipur possess the ability to cause disturbances within the state.
Drawing attention to chief minister N Biren's alleged prejudiced statements and false accusations, KIM condemned the presentation of such biased narratives within the realm of democracy, especially by a high-ranking minister like the Union Home Minister.
KIM further contended that Shah's statements not only disregarded the historical origins and identity of Kukis but also seemingly sacrificed their interests in favour of Chief Minister Biren's stance.
The KIM statement highlighted that the intensified pro-democracy movement in Myanmar had rendered the bases of valley based secessionist insurgent groups - previously sheltered by the Myanmar military Junta -vulnerable and exposed.
As a result, these groups sought refuge and protection from the Manipur government, which faced mounting pressure to accommodate them.
KIM alleged that in a bid to appease these insurgent groups, CM Biren misrepresented Kukis, further complicating the situation.
Accusing COCOMI of be ing a frontal organisation of these insurgent groups, KIM argued that CM Biren and COCOMI propagated fabricated charges against Kukis, even resorting to an "ethnic cleansing campaign", which it claimed to be aimed at expanding and consolidating Meetei influence across the state, particularly in Kuki populated areas.
KIM contended that Biren's anti-Kuki policies and the imposition of majoritarian rule reflected this agenda, with Kukis bearing the brunt of these actions.
KIM strongly objected to the portrayal of Kukis in a negative light, despite their historical contributions to India's struggle for freedom, including their involvement in the Indian National Army under Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose's leadership and their resistance against British colonialism in the "Anglo-Kuki War (1917-1919)".Highlighting the principle that a community's history and identity are best understood by its members, KIM criticised those who sought to tarnish and demean Kukis for their own gain in terms of land and resources.
KIM urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to rise above partisan politics and personal vendettas and provide concrete evidence of his claims.
In the absence of such evidence, KIM demanded Shah to publicly apologise to the aggrieved Kukis for his remarks concerning the "origin of the present conflict involving Kuki refugees from Myanmar" .