Imphal: Manipur’s Kuki Inpi Chandel district has appealed to the Ministry of External Affairs to safeguard indigenous rights and local concerns during ongoing India-Myanmar bilateral discussions.
The apex Kuki body has opposed any proposed territorial exchange or land swap along the India-Myanmar border in Manipur’s Chandel district and urged the local population to remain vigilant. The organisation also called on the community to remain united against any unilateral boundary alterations.
Responding to an August 4, 2026, statement by the Ministry of External Affairs, the organisation rejected a reported 1.4-square-mile territory exchange between Boundary Pillars 65 and 68 and demanded the prior consent of indigenous border communities.
Referring to the August 4 press release issued by the Ministry of External Affairs, the KICdl expressed concern over bilateral discussions regarding the unresolved boundary area between Pillars 65 and 68.
The apex body rejected the reported plan to exchange roughly 1.4 square miles of land, warning of serious implications for local populations.
The KICdl said border villages in the Chakpikarong sector, situated near Myanmar’s Kabaw Valley, comprise the ancestral homelands of the Kuki people. It asserted that any adjustments to the international boundary require the direct participation and clear consent of local indigenous groups.
“Land is our identity and heritage,” the organisation said, adding that the disputed 2.8-kilometre stretch supports local homes, farms, livelihoods and cultural continuity.
The organisation criticised the lack of prior consultation with Kuki civil society groups, village chiefs and regional residents.
The KICdl urged the governments of India and Manipur to halt unilateral actions and establish a transparent consultation framework with local stakeholders.
The group also appealed to the Ministry of External Affairs to safeguard the historical rights of border residents during ongoing bilateral talks with Myanmar and urged the community to remain united and vigilant.