Northeast Diary
In a formal letter to Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla, the Kuki-Zo Council has raised serious concerns about the recent claims of surrender by Meitei militants, calling the event a “drama” designed to mislead both the public and authorities.
The Council has expressed skepticism over the authenticity of the surrender, arguing that it serves as little more than a tactic to gain political favor and divert attention from the underlying issues in the region.
The letter, which was sent earlier this week, states that the Kuki-Zo Council believes the so-called surrender event involving Meitei militants is nothing more than a well-coordinated publicity stunt. The Council argues that the militants’ actions — including the voluntary handover of some weapons — are designed to portray an image of peace, but fail to address the broader security concerns or the retention of more dangerous arms by the groups involved.
“We are deeply concerned about the optics of this surrender, as it raises more questions than it answers. How can we trust a surrender process when it is clear that heavy weaponry and automatic rifles remain in the hands of militants? This so-called surrender is an attempt to distract from the real issues,” the letter reads.
The Kuki-Zo Council has requested a thorough investigation into the matter, urging the Union Home Ministry to ensure that any such surrender process is conducted transparently and verified independently. They have also demanded that proper safeguards be put in place to prevent the retention of dangerous weapons by armed groups under the guise of a peace process.
The Council’s letter further emphasizes the need for a comprehensive, inclusive dialogue aimed at addressing the long-standing grievances of all communities involved in the conflict. They warned that any attempt to portray a selective or incomplete surrender as a victory could undermine peace efforts and exacerbate tensions in the region.
As of now, the Union Home Ministry has yet to issue an official response to the Kuki-Zo Council’s concerns. The situation remains fluid, with local communities and various political bodies closely monitoring developments surrounding the Meitei militants’ actions and the wider implications for regional stability.
