KNF Blasts “Fabricated, Malicious” Allegations of Misappropriating Compensation Funds

In a scathing rebuttal to recent media allegations, the Kuki National Front (KNF) has categorically denied any involvement in coercing villagers along the Imphal-Kangpokpi stretch of the Asian Highway-2 (AH-2) into signing blank documents or misappropriating compensation funds related to road expansion works.

The allegation—widely circulated in a section of the media—claimed that KNF cadres were intimidating local residents and interfering with government-issued compensation disbursals. In an official press clarification issued today, the KNF denounced these reports as “fabricated, defamatory, and designed to derail the fragile peace process currently underway.”

“KNF has no role whatsoever in extorting compensation or in any form of coercion. These are utterly baseless and motivated accusations aimed at maligning our organisation and disrupting the mutual trust we’ve built with our people,” said Lh. Stephen, Information and Publicity Secretary of KNF.
The KNF clarified that it remains deeply committed to supporting government-initiated developmental projects across its areas of operation, particularly those that improve public infrastructure and benefit the grassroots population. The group emphasized that all its activities are conducted strictly in line with the ground rules of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement signed with the Government of India and the Government of Manipur.

“KNF has consistently acted in support of development, not against it. We have neither obstructed nor interfered with road construction works. Instead, we have facilitated the smooth implementation of such projects wherever necessary to ensure timely progress,” the statement read.

The organisation also underscored its role as a stakeholder in the ongoing political dialogue aimed at addressing the long-standing aspirations of the Kuki people. It asserted that such “malicious attempts to defame the KNF” only serve the interests of those seeking to sabotage peace and sow discord among communities. The KNF has raised serious concerns over what it sees as a calculated smear campaign driven by vested political and social interests. According to the group, these accusations have no factual basis and appear to be part of a larger agenda to fracture the ongoing dialogue process.

“The timing and nature of these accusations raise serious doubts about their intent. They are not only unfounded but also harmful to the spirit of peace, reconciliation, and mutual cooperation that we are trying to nurture under the ongoing negotiation framework,” Stephen remarked.

“These unfounded claims appear to be a deliberate attempt to disrupt the political dialogue and weaken public trust in KNF’s peace-oriented approach,” he asserted. The KNF has appealed to civil society organisations, village chiefs, and media outlets to act responsibly and verify facts before disseminating unsubstantiated claims that could potentially inflame tensions or mislead the public.

“Spreading unverified and sensationalist reports without due diligence undermines public trust, jeopardises community harmony, and weakens the peace process. We urge the media to act with greater integrity and ethical responsibility,” the press note stated.

Reaffirming its unwavering commitment to the political, economic, and social advancement of the Kuki people through peaceful and democratic means, the KNF reiterated that it will not be distracted or intimidated by false narratives.

“No amount of slander or misinformation can weaken our resolve. The KNF stands with the people, and we will continue to uphold their rights and dignity with integrity and determination,” the organisation declared.