Editorial || How Delayed Biometric Mapping of Myanmarese Nationals Defamed Kukis

The biometric mapping of Myanmarese nationals entering India under the FMR (Free Movement Regime) mechanism is a welcome step. Had it been implemented earlier, the Kuki community would not have been defamed or shamed as illegal immigrants. The failure of the Union Ministry responsible, along with the state government's inaction, subjected the Kukis to cruelty and humiliation they did not deserve.

The recent misinterpretation of the statement by the Director General of the Assam Rifles by media houses and certain Meitei politicians is not surprising—it aligns with their long-standing hostility and hatred towards the Kuki people. Yet, these very voices cry out, "Manipur kaiba yairo" (Manipur cannot be divided). If hypocrisy and shamelessness had a face, the radicals from this community would embody it.

The distortion of historical facts to incite hatred against Kukis has pushed Manipur to a point beyond repair. Still, the mastermind behind this systematic ethnic cleansing continues his activities openly on social media—spreading communal hatred and fake news. His son-in-law follows closely in his footsteps, continuing the hate-driven campaign with unwavering commitment. This hate pogrom, led by their family and co-conspirators, remains an active operation in Imphal. They are like dormant volcanoes the Government of India has underestimated—allowing them to simmer, only to erupt more destructively in the future.

The continued delay in releasing the leaked audio tape—allegedly proving this individual’s role as the mastermind of the pogrom—along with his confidence despite overwhelming evidence, raises serious questions about the Centre’s complicity in this entire fiasco.

While secessionist Meitei outfits operating from Myanmar pose a real threat to India’s sovereignty and the law and order of Manipur, the silence of Meitei civil society and politicians—across party lines—on their anti-national activities is deeply ironic. Many of them are complicit, either by endorsing defamatory language against Kukis or by remaining silent while their counterparts engage in open abuse.

What’s most ironic is that all communities in Manipur—Nagas, Kukis, and Meiteis—have populations in Myanmar. Yet, the political power and economic dominance of the majority community in Manipur have allowed them to scapegoat Kukis on a national scale. Under their control, will the Kukis ever be safe?

On 10 March 2025, the titular King of Manipur, Maharaja Sanajaoba, urged the Government of India in Parliament to examine the feasibility of reclaiming Kabaw Valley, asserting that it was historically part of the Manipur kingdom. This very demand underscores the complex and close historical ties between the people of Myanmar and those living in Manipur and other bordering states.

The FMR mechanism aims to correct the historical injustice of arbitrarily dividing tribes across two countries without their consent or acknowledgment. A colonial map drawn by an Englishman may have imposed modern political boundaries, but it could not erase the shared DNA and heritage passed down from common ancestors. Solidarity and kinship define tribal communities across the world. Severing these bonds is among the cruelest acts imaginable—something only a psychopath would conceive.

A peaceful and secure border is in the national interest of India and its citizens. Fueling communal hatred and violence in a border state like Manipur is dangerous—it diverts the attention of our security forces from safeguarding our borders to handling internal unrest. Psychopaths and genocidal politicians like Biren Singh, who incite such violence, must be held in check. In the interest of national security, the Government of India must place firm restrictions on such individuals and organizations. India cannot afford communalism and hate politics in the North East.