We have not been in touch with CM Biren: 10 Kuki MLAs

Imphal: All the 10 Kuki-Zomi-Hmar MLAs said they have not been in touch with Manipur chief minister N. Biren Singh since the outbreak of the communal violence in May.

The Manipur MLAs made the assertion clarifying on a news report of a national paper published on Thursday under the caption, “No division of Manipur, in touch with Kuki MLAs: CM N Biren Singh”.

“Needless to mention the killings and complete mayhem since 3rd May 2023, a stark reminder may be made of Vungzagin Valte, MLA and Adviser to the CM N. Biren Singh who was waylaid, lynched and left to die by Meitei extremist on the 4th May 2023 in Imphal while returning from a meeting at the official bungalow of the Chief Minister, said a joint clarification of the MLAs on Friday.

So far no enquiry or arrest has been made, nor any progress of investigation is reported till today, they said.

“In fact, we do not want to repeat and face the same fate that our colleague had underwent.”

Of late, Imphal valley had become a “Valley of Death” for the Kuki-Zomi-Hmar people. The streets and roads of Imphal and its surrounding valley are dangerous for the Kuki-Zomi-Hmar people; even identity of Paramilitary personnel on duty are not spared, they were checked and verified by the so-called Meira Paibis, they said.

“Our official quarters and private residences are either looted, attacked or burned by mobs.

At this politically critical juncture, we do not have any intention to communicate with the CM N. Biren Singh. His claim of communicating with the Kuki-Zomi-Hmar MLAs may be a ploy to sow seeds of mistrust and disunity between the Kuki-Zomi-Hmar MLAs and their people.”

“It is true that on 16th August 2023, we have submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi, demanding a Separate Chief Secretary and Police Chief for the affected Hill Districts as temporary measures pending the ongoing political dialogue of So0 groups/ KNO-UPF with the Government of India.”

The MLAs ‘strongly’ reiterated their ‘legitimate demand’ for creation of Separate Administration within the purview of the Indian Constitution in order to restore permanent peace and settlement.

The MLAs were Haokhfilet Kipgen, Kimneo Haokip Hangshing, LM Khaute, Vungzagin Valte, Ngursanglur Sanate,Letpdo Haokip, Letzamang Haokip, Chinlunthang, Paolenlal Haokip, and Nemcha Kipgen.