KIM, CoTU decry CM's statement on crisis origin
Source: Chronicle News Service
Kangpokpi, October 22 2023:
Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) and Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) Sadar Hills Kangpokpi have strongly objected to the statements made by Chief Minister N Biren in an interview with The Times of India.
KIM information and publicity secretary Janghaolun Haokip expressed disapproval of N Biren's claims about the violence in the state being premeditated.
He argued that the underlying cause of the unrest on May 3 was the biasness against Kuki-Zo people by Meetei-led state leadership.
He pointed out policies, oppression and alienation as factors contributing to the violence.
Janghaolun dismissed N Biren's allegations about a planned attack during a peaceful rally by highlighting that it was actually organised by All Tribal Students' Union Manipur (ATSUM) and such claims are unfounded.
He stated that ongoing conflict is undoubtedly sponsored by the state and part of a planned effort to ethnically cleanse the Kuki-Zo people.
He emphasised that the request, for a "Separate Administration" from state is a provision, within the constitution and should not be misunderstood.
He then expressed gratitude on behalf of Kuki-Zo people for the humanitarian aid received from across the country during the ongoing crisis.
Meanwhile, CoTU Sadar Hills Kangpokpi criticised Biren's statements in the Times of India interview, characterising them as inconsistent.
CoTU Media Cell's coordinator Ng Lun Kipgen, pointed out that the statements of Biren have changed over time, shifting the blame from a misunderstanding between communities to security and intelligence failures.
Lun Kipgen contented that Biren's evolving statements have cast doubts on the credibility of his narrative.
The Manipur People's Bill 2015, which sought to diminish the powers of the ADCs, was mentioned as a contentious move by N Biren.
CoTU accused the CM of inconsistency and hypocritical manoeuvring, which they claim has adversely affected innocent minorities in the state.