Editorial || Defamed, Yet Devoted: The Kukis’ Unshaken Faith in the Idea of India

At the stroke of the midnight hour, while the world slept, India awoke to life and freedom on August 15, 1947. However, what awaited her was a bed of thorns, not of roses, as demands for secession and independence from India arose from all quarters and directions.

The Kukis today stand tall as a shining example of India’s success in its journey to integrate all stakeholders—including those who once doubted what their future held in an independent India, like the Kukis. Amidst the annual boycott of Independence Day by various groups in Manipur, their enthusiastic participation—similar to their celebration of Christmas—speaks volumes about their feelings for India, their home.

Today, the Kukis feel the pain, betrayal, and dejection of our fellow citizens—those excluded from the voter list during the ongoing Special Summary Revision (SSR), the suspicious gaze cast upon Indian Muslims regarding their citizenship, or the unwelcome treatment of those from Bengal in certain parts of India. We understand these feelings more closely than most, as we are subjected to a systematic and well-planned defamation campaign—allegedly spearheaded by the former Chief Minister—designed to alienate us from our own home and people.

These feelings, however, are not rooted in anti-nationalism. They arise because expectation stems from hope, and hope stems from trust. But when trust is betrayed, the natural human reaction is helplessness, pain, betrayal, and dejection. Yet, our hope and trust in our country remain steadfast—evidenced by our enthusiastic celebration of Independence Day, not its boycott.

As Indian Kukis battle a heinous campaign of alienation within India, our brethren in Burma are fighting for democracy against the junta. If the allegations made against Kukis were true, why would anyone risk their lives fighting a dictator? Blood is thicker than water, yes—but there is truly nothing like home in this world.

This “illegal immigrant” propaganda, therefore, can only come from someone with little understanding of the Kukis—or someone who knows that the majority in mainland India remain unaware of the complex realities of Manipur vis-à-vis Burma (Myanmar). Time will reveal who truly poses a threat to India across the border.

Unlike some who wage war against India from Myanmar, the Kukis serve as a soft power, a diplomatic tool for India to promote the idea of democracy through cultural contact across borders. No book could inspire a thirst for democracy more than the Kukis’ personal, lived experiences. And the world knows who stands against it. Time will also tell how crucial the Kukis are in keeping India secure against secessionist organizations. As our national motto says: Satyameva Jayate — Truth alone triumphs.

May this Independence Day awaken the spirit of patriotism and love for our country. May it remind us of the thorny path our forefathers walked to free us from British colonial rule and a decadent society. And may a journey into our past evoke deep respect for our Constitution, democracy, and our nation.

Jai Hind!