Kuki Inpi Condemns Burning of Kharam Vaiphei Village, Urges Immediate Government Intervention

The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) has strongly condemned the burning of Kharam Vaiphei village, alleging that the incident was carried out by the ZUF Kamson group. The apex Kuki body described the act as "reprehensible and provocative," stating that it was aimed at escalating and worsening the already fragile situation between the Kuki and Naga communities.

In a statement issued on Saturday, KIM expressed deep concern over what it termed a deliberate attempt to heighten tensions at a time when peace, restraint, and responsible conduct are most needed.

The Kuki apex body said such acts of aggression and intimidation endanger the lives and security of ordinary people and threaten communal harmony.

KIM maintained that the Kuki-Zo people have consistently exercised maximum restraint in the interest of peace, coexistence, and harmony, despite repeated provocations. It stated that innocent men, women, and children should not become victims of circumstances and actions beyond their control.

The Kuki Inpi further asserted that while the Kuki-Zo people remain committed to democratic and peaceful means, continued attempts to oppress their community, violate their rights, undermine their dignity, and threaten their ancestral lands would not be tolerated indefinitely.

Reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding the interests of the Kuki-Zo community, KIM stated that it would never compromise on the protection of its lands, the security of its people, and the welfare and future of the community. It warned that any effort to intimidate or marginalise the Kuki-Zo people would be firmly resisted.

KIM also called upon the Government and security agencies to immediately intervene, conduct an impartial investigation into the incident, identify those responsible, and take swift action to prevent further escalation of tensions and a possible breakdown of law and order.

The organisation cautioned that failure to act decisively against those responsible could embolden elements seeking to destabilise inter-community relations and disturb peace in the region.

While reiterating its commitment to peace, coexistence, and equality, KIM stated that the Kuki-Zo people would not remain silent if their rights and safety continued to be threatened.