Guwahati: The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) on Tuesday strongly opposed the Manipur government’s reported proposal to replace Central security forces with state forces in hill districts and foothill areas, warning that any such move would be “categorically rejected” by the Kuki community.
In a statement issued by its Secretariat, the organisation said the proposal, referred to in remarks by the State Home Minister, was being viewed as an attempt to project normalcy while reinforcing the state’s control over Kuki-inhabited areas.
The Kuki Inpi alleged that the move could perpetuate what it described as “oppression and subjugation” of the Kuki people, and cautioned that altering the current security arrangement amid ongoing tensions could aggravate the situation on the ground.
Highlighting the continuing volatility in the region, the organisation said the state government had lost credibility and accountability in the eyes of the community, and warned that any attempt to replace Central security forces could lead to further escalation of conflict.
“Any move to alter the existing deployment under such fragile conditions will be seen as a direct threat to the safety and security of the Kuki people,” the statement said.
The Kuki Inpi said the community continues to repose trust in the Central security forces, which it described as providing a sense of neutrality, stability and protection during the ongoing crisis.
Expressing concern over the proposed shift, the organisation said the withdrawal or replacement of Central forces could further destabilise the already fragile security environment in the region.
It urged the authorities to maintain the current deployment of Central forces in the interest of peace and stability, and called on the state government to refrain from decisions affecting Kuki areas without due consideration of ground realities.