Imphal: The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) has distanced itself from Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh’s recent visit to Kangpokpi, saying the apex Kuki body had no role in organising or facilitating the programme.
In a statement issued on Sunday, KIM said the visit was arranged at the initiative of certain district-level civil society organisations in Kangpokpi. It maintained that these organisations had neither the authority nor a mandate from the apex body to host state government representatives or enter into localised understandings on behalf of the wider Kuki-Zo community.
The statement comes after Singh, accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen and Saitu MLA Haokholhet Kipgen, visited Kangpokpi on Saturday and announced measures aimed at restoring connectivity and normalcy in the state.
Among the announcements was the reopening of key National Highways in Manipur and the proposed resumption of the Imphal-Dimapur passenger bus service. The state government has described the measures as steps towards improving public movement and rebuilding confidence among communities affected by the prolonged conflict.
KIM, however, said such local engagements could not be viewed as representing the collective position of the Kuki-Zo community.The apex body said its position remained firmly aligned with the Kuki political movement and its demand for a Separate Administration.
KIM stressed that district-level CSOs could not claim to represent the broader Kuki-Zo population or its collective political position. It warned against initiatives that could create divisions or undermine the community’s long-term political objectives.
The organisation said it would not compromise or dilute its political demands for what it described as short-term engagements or political expediency.
KIM also appealed to people in Kuki-dominated areas to remain vigilant and maintain unity, particularly in the face of initiatives that it believes could create differences within the community.
The development highlights the political challenges surrounding the state government’s efforts to restore normalcy in Manipur. While the administration has sought to promote measures such as reopening highways and restarting public transport as confidence-building steps, KIM’s response indicates that significant differences remain over the broader political framework for resolving the conflict.
The KIM statement also underlines the gap between administrative initiatives aimed at restoring public connectivity and the Kuki leadership’s demand for a separate political arrangement.