Tengnoupal, Manipur:
Civil society organisations (CSOs) representing the Kuki-Zo community in Manipur’s Tengnoupal district have strongly criticised alleged hate speeches by sections of the Meitei community, stating that such actions have further justified their long-standing demand for a separate administrative arrangement.
In a joint press statement issued on April 14, organisations including the Kuki Chief Association, Molnoi Area Welfare Council (MAWC), Hill Tribal Council Moreh, Kuki Students Organisation, and Kuki Women Union & Human Rights accused certain Meitei groups of promoting inflammatory rhetoric amid ongoing ethnic tensions in the state.
The CSOs claimed that despite the formation of a popular government, “orchestrated hate speeches” and hostile narratives against the Kuki-Zo community have continued. They pointed to slogans allegedly calling for violence against Kukis as evidence of deepening communal divisions.
According to the statement, such developments demonstrate that peaceful coexistence between communities has become increasingly difficult. “The continued communal hate speeches and attitudes reflect that peace is a far cry,” the organisations stated, adding that these circumstances have reinforced their demand for total separation.
Reiterating their political position, the CSOs declared that the Kuki-Zo people of Tengnoupal district remain firm in seeking a separate administration. They warned that any attempts to undermine or dilute this demand would not be accepted under any circumstances.
The groups also announced a stance of non-cooperation with Meitei government representatives in the district, signalling a further hardening of positions amid the ongoing crisis.
On the security front, the CSOs emphasised the need for strict enforcement of buffer zones to prevent further escalation of violence. They called for enhanced deployment of central security forces in hill areas and sensitive zones across the district.
While appreciating the role of central forces in maintaining a degree of normalcy, the organisations stressed that a stronger and more consistent presence is necessary to sustain peace and stability.
The statement further call for the unity among the Kuki-Zo people, asserting their determination to resist any actions perceived as harmful to their community and to continue pursuing their demand for political and administrative separation.
