Reported by Bit Irom
Imphal: The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the apex representative body of the Kuki community in the state, has strongly condemned remarks made by Manipur Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam regarding members of Arambai Tenggol (AT), describing the statements as “deeply disturbing, disgraceful and unacceptable.”
In a statement issued on Wednesday, KIM expressed outrage over the Home Minister’s indication that the state government was seeking to avoid further arrests and crackdowns against members of Arambai Tenggol, provided the group surrendered any remaining illegal weapons.
According to KIM, the Minister had stated that discussions had been held with the Director General of Police (DGP), and that the government was willing to adopt a conciliatory approach if the organization cooperated in disarming its members.
Rejecting the proposal outright, KIM alleged that such a move amounted to granting protection to a group it holds responsible for serious acts of violence during the ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur.
The apex Kuki body disputed the characterization of Arambai Tenggol as a civil society organization, instead describing it as a radical armed Meitei group. It accused the outfit of involvement in targeted attacks against Kuki-Zo communities since ethnic violence erupted in the state on May 3, 2023.
KIM further alleged that members of the Kuki-Zo community had been subjected to grave human rights violations during the conflict, including killings, sexual violence and destruction of property. The organization claimed that these incidents reflected a broader pattern of ethnic persecution rather than isolated acts of violence.
Questioning the government’s approach, KIM said any move to halt legal action against those allegedly involved in such crimes would undermine justice and accountability.
The organization also argued that the perceived failure of the state administration to act impartially has reinforced demands from the Kuki-Zo community for a separate administrative arrangement, which it says is necessary to ensure security and protection for the community.
KIM demanded that the Home Minister withdraw his remarks and called for a comprehensive investigation, along with the arrest and prosecution of all those found responsible for crimes committed during the conflict.
Reaffirming its position, the organization stated that the Kuki-Zo community would not accept any form of immunity or protection for individuals accused of serious human rights violations and urged authorities to uphold the rule of law without discrimination.