Imphal: The Kuki Inpi, South-West Sadar Hills (KI-SWSH), has strongly opposed the alleged construction of a separate road by residents of Konsa village through land under its customary jurisdiction, claiming the project has government backing.
In a statement issued through its Department of Information and Publicity, the apex Kuki body demanded an immediate halt to the construction within three days, warning of widespread public agitation across the region if the demand was not met.
Citing the prevailing ethnic tensions, the organisation said any unilateral attempt to build an alternative road without addressing existing concerns was unacceptable and could further aggravate the situation, potentially triggering violence.
The KI-SWSH maintained that the existing public road remained open, functional and accessible to all, arguing that there was no justification for constructing another route.
It also stated that the transportation of deceased persons along public roads had not been restricted. However, the organisation called for six specified deceased individuals to be taken to their designated village cemetery through the existing route. It also opposed any burial on land under the KI-SWSH’s customary jurisdiction, saying the move was necessary to maintain public order.
The body urged the state government and district administration to intervene impartially and act with caution. It warned that the authorities would be held responsible for any untoward incidents arising from a failure to address the dispute.