Kuki CSOs in Churachandpur Boycott CM's Proposed Visit; KIM Advises CM to Defer the Visit

The Kuki Civil Society Organisations (KCSOs) in Churachandpur have boycotted the proposed visit of Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand to Churachandpur on July 4.

The CSOs, including Kuki Inpi Churachandpur, KSO Churachandpur, Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights (General Headquarters), Kuki Women Union, Kuki Khanglai Lawmpi (General Headquarters), and Kuki Chiefs Association Churachandpur, issued a joint statement on Friday.

The CSOs stated that, "Until and unless there is a solution to the ongoing Kuki-Zo-Meitei conflict, we will not allow any Meitei individual, official, or group into our district, including the Chief Minister."

Therefore, the Kuki civil society organisations have boycotted Khemchand's proposed visit to Churachandpur on Saturday. They further stated that any untoward incident arising out of his visit would be solely his responsibility, the release added.

In a separate release, Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) advised the Chief Minister to defer any proposed visit to Kuki-Zo-populated districts.

The release stated that the Chief Minister has undertaken visits to several hill districts following the installation of the present popular government. Such visits have reportedly been conducted without major incident and have, in certain quarters, contributed to the perceived credibility of the state government and its leadership.

However, KIM stated that the prevailing situation in Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, and Tengnoupal districts stands on a materially different footing.

The Kuki body stated that the ground realities in these areas remain highly sensitive and volatile, with underlying tensions yet to be meaningfully addressed or resolved.

"In such a fragile environment, any proposed visit at this juncture may reasonably be expected to evoke strong public reactions," KIM stated, adding that there exists a genuine and imminent risk that such a visit could act as a flashpoint, potentially disturbing the already precarious law and order situation.

KIM added that the consequences of any such development would be grave and counterproductive to the government's ongoing efforts to restore peace and normalcy.

"As such, it is strongly advised that the Chief Minister defer any proposed visit to Kuki-Zo-populated districts until such time as conditions become demonstrably conducive to safe, meaningful, and constructive engagement with the public," the release added.

KIM reiterated that any action perceived as disregarding the sentiments and aspirations of the Kuki-Zo people, particularly in relation to their demand for a separate administration, is likely to deepen existing mistrust and impede the prospects for lasting peace.