Lamka: Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the apex body of the Kuki tribes in Manipur, has strongly rejected the rebuttal statement issued by the NSCN-IM on June 5, describing it as an “exercise in denial and evasion” while reiterating allegations of collusion between NSCN-IM elements and Meitei radical groups in attacks on Kuki villages.
In a press statement issued from its secretariat on Friday, KIM stated that its earlier statement dated June 5 was neither “fabrication” nor “misinformation,” but a factual account allegedly supported by survivor testimonies and ground evidence.
The organisation alleged that NSCN-IM elements had been involved in activities ranging from arms supply and providing safe havens to direct participation in attacks targeting Kuki villages. KIM asserted that the claims made in its earlier statement were based on documented evidence and could not be dismissed as opportunistic exploitation of human tragedy.
While affirming respect for the rights of all communities, including the Nagas, to pursue genuine self-determination through legitimate and honourable means, KIM maintained that it would not tolerate campaigns carried out in the name of self-determination that allegedly result in the systematic killing, displacement and suffering of Kuki people.
The statement noted that the Kukis historically valued neighbourly ties with the Naga community, but alleged that the recent conduct of NSCN-IM, particularly its Manipur-based factions, had severely strained relations. KIM accused certain senior NSCN-IM leaders, including VS Atem, of using “genocidal language” against the Kukis.
Referring to alleged public remarks describing Kukis as “cockroaches” to be exterminated, the organisation said such rhetoric had no place in any movement claiming revolutionary credentials and condemned what it termed inflammatory and hateful language.
KIM further alleged that the actions of NSCN-IM went beyond the pursuit of self-determination and instead reflected an agenda involving collaboration with Meitei radical groups, disruption of the Kuki struggle for justice and targeted violence against the Kuki community.
The organisation called upon the NSCN-IM to immediately cease such activities and refrain from further incitement that could aggravate tensions in the region.
