Kuki-Zo MLAs Reject Allegations Made by Naga MLAs, Urge Centre to Focus on Peace in Manipur

The Kuki-Zo MLA Forum has submitted a rejoinder to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, rejecting allegations made by Naga MLAs against Kuki-Zo leaders in connection with the ongoing violence and tensions in Manipur’s hill districts.

In the letter addressed to Shah, Kuki-Zo MLA Forum convenor Haokholet Kipgen, MLA from Saitu Assembly constituency, and secretary Chinlunthang, MLA from Singhat, said they were “deeply pained” by the violence affecting civilians from both communities.

The MLAs condemned killings and arson, stating that perpetrators should be held responsible irrespective of their community affiliation. They also called for a broader assessment of the situation, cautioning against what they described as “narrow and chauvinistic” conclusions.

The Kuki-Zo MLAs specifically rejected allegations against leaders including Nemcha Kipgen, Thangboi Kipgen, and Tiger Kipgen, arguing that attributing the wider conflict to individual leaders was illogical given the scale and communal nature of the violence.

The forum also opposed any demand for the immediate abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO)agreement, calling such a move irrelevant and potentially counterproductive amid heightened tensions.

Instead, the MLAs appealed to elected representatives from both communities to exercise restraint and work toward reducing tensions rather than exchanging accusations.

“We earnestly implore upon your benevolent intervention and wisdom for amicable settlement of the current imbroglio,” the letter said.

The Kuki-Zo MLA Forum urged the Union Home Minister to intervene to facilitate a peaceful resolution and restore normalcy in the affected areas.