Lamka: The Kuki Human Rights Council (KHRC) has strongly rejected claims made by Arambai Tenggol chief Korou Ngamba regarding the National Register of Citizens (NRC), illegal immigrants and peace, asserting that the Meitei community has no authority over the Kuki community or its territory.
In a press release issued on Saturday, the KHRC stated that the Kuki and Meitei communities have remained completely separated since May 3, 2023, and that the chapter of coexistence between the two communities has effectively ended. The council maintained that any attempt by the Meitei community to assert control over Kuki areas is unacceptable.
On the issue of NRC and illegal immigration, the KHRC clarified that if the Meitei community wishes to implement NRC, it may do so within its own territory, and the Kuki community would not oppose it. However, the council asserted that any decision regarding NRC in Kuki territory would be taken solely by the people of that region. The KHRC further stated that the Kuki demand for a separate state or Union Territory is aimed not only at safeguarding land, people and rights, but also at preventing illegal immigration, foreign intrusion and the influx of refugees.
The council emphasized that the ongoing Kuki–Meitei conflict is not related to NRC, illegal immigrants or poppy cultivation, but is fundamentally about land, identity and rights. It claimed that the separation of land and people has already been acknowledged by the Centre and the international community.
While expressing a desire for peace between the two communities, the KHRC categorically ruled out coexistence, stating that peace is possible only through a separate administrative arrangement. According to the council, separate administration remains the only viable path forward to ensure lasting peace in the region.
