Kuki Inpi Manipur Rebuts Naga Legislators’ Representation in Letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah

The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the apex body of Kuki tribes, has submitted a counter-memorandum to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, rejecting what it describes as “unfounded allegations” made in a recent representation by a group of Naga legislators and calling for balanced accountability, independent investigations and a political solution to the ongoing conflict in Manipur.

In its memorandum addressed to Amit Shah, KIM alleged that Kuki-Zo communities in hill and border areas have faced disruption, blockades, harassment and isolation since the outbreak of the broader conflict in May 2023.

The Kuki Inpi claimed that violence against Kuki-Zo civilians escalated following attacks on Gampal and Haijang villages in April 2025 and subsequently after an altercation in Litan-Sareikhong, Ukhrul. 

According to KIM, attacks on February 8–9, 2026 resulted in the burning of Kuki homes and the deaths of civilians.

KIM claimed that 23 Kuki-Zo villages were burnt or destroyed and 18 Kuki-Zo civilians were killed, while attributing responsibility for the alleged attacks to Naga perpetrators. These are allegations made in the memorandum and were not independently established in the material provided.

The Kuki Inpi also strongly rejected allegations against Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, terming them baseless and arguing that accusations of collusion against a constitutional office-holder should not be made without evidence, due process or a judicial finding. KIM said attempts to hold elected constitutional authorities personally responsible for actions allegedly committed by non-state actors would undermine public institutions.

The Kuki Inpi called for all incidents of violence, killings and ambushes to be investigated “thoroughly, transparently and independently” by central investigative agencies. It argued that accountability should be based on evidence and the rule of law rather than public accusations or media rhetoric.

KIM also rejected calls by Naga legislators for the immediate abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement involving Kuki armed groups. The Kuki Inpi described the SoO framework as an established peace mechanism intended to maintain ceasefire ground rules and facilitate political negotiations. It warned that dismantling the arrangement could undermine channels for a negotiated settlement.

In its concluding appeal, KIM said the prolonged conflict had resulted in a “complete breakdown of governance and mutual trust” between communities.

The Kuki apex body maintained that the communities could no longer peacefully coexist under a single state administration and called on the Central Government to expedite a political process for a Union Territory with a legislature for the Kuki-Zo people.

KIM said such an arrangement would, in its view, provide security, dignity and self-governance while remaining within the constitutional framework of India.