Since the outbreak of violent conflict on May 3 last year in Churachandpur where Kuki-Zomi militants attacked the Meiteis and burned down their houses and properties in Churachandpur and it’s neighbouring areas of Bishnupur districts, the Kuki-Zomi’s defiance of Manipur State Government orders has been intensifying with the declaration for a demand of Separate Administration on May 12, 2023 by the 10 MLAs belonging to Kuki-Zomi tribes.
Recently, the Kuki Chiefs’ Association, Manipur (KCAM) on October 6 stated that it rejects the recent order from the Manipur State Government. The Department of Tribal Affairs and Hills of Manipur State Government directed the Kuki chiefs to submit detailed documentation of their villages and areas from 1964 to the present.
However, defying the State Government order, the KCAM warns all the Kuki-Zomi chiefs not to comply with the State Government and not to submit any documents or papers to the State Government.
Further, the release stated that the timing of this order is particularly troubling, coming at a moment when the “Kuki-Zo” people are facing existential threats. The KCAM alleges that the order seeks to undermine the chieftainship and the associated rights that have been integral to the identity and governance of the “Kuki-Zo” people.
“Subsequently, KCAM views this order as not only deeply insensitive but also a manifestation of systemic discrimination and injustices against our community. The timing of this order is particularly troubling, coming at a moment when the Kuki-Zo people are facing existential threats from the radicalised and secessionist Meiteis. It seeks to undermine the chieftainship and the associated rights that have been integral to the identity and governance of the Kuki-Zo people. By demanding documentation that could potentially facilitate illegitimate encroachment into our ancestral lands, the state government reveals a blatant disregard for the rights and dignity of the Kuki-Zo people,” the KCAM release issued by its Secretary External, Letkhosei Mate.
“KCAM urges all Kuki-Zo people to stand united in defiance of this unjust order but reaffirm our commitment to the urgent pursuit of a Separate Administration – a Union Territory with Legislature, that respects our autonomy, identity, and most importantly our rights and privileges as equal citizens of the country. We urge all Kuki-Zo individuals and leaders to rally together and resist these discriminatory measures,” the KCAM release stated.
Responding to the directive of the Government of Manipur, the KCAM has said it is resolved to uphold the dignity and integrity of our community and its chieftaincy. “The Kuki Chiefs’ Association, Manipur, hereby calls for strict compliance with our directive: no Kuki-Zo chief shall submit any documents or papers to the state government that seek to undermine our traditional governance and the rights inherent to it,” KCAM warned.
“The Kuki-Zo people will stand firm in our determination to safeguard our heritage, our land, and our future,” the KCAM release added.
Meanwhile, Manipur Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren said, “Villages not recognised by the Government or not registered with the Government shall not be provided Government benefits, like Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, Power, Water Supply, etc”.
Chief Minister Biren Singh said this while addressing the gathering of the grand finale of the 70th Wildlife Week Celebration 2024, on October 8, 2024.
Chief Minister Biren stressed on sincere and responsible officers of the State Government department by pointing out recognition of many villages in forest areas. He also urged all government officers and officials especially that of Revenue and Forest departments to perform their duties with dedication and sincerity for the nation and state.
Chief Minister Biren also stressed the need for all officials to work within the provision of the Constitution and under the provision of the law like The Manipur Land Revenue and Land Reforms Act and Forest Acts etc.
He also said that officials need to be sincere and should have a clear knowledge of the past history of the region, adding that issues we face today are because of our past mistakes.
Now, the question arises is: why does the Kuki Chiefs’ Association, Manipur defy the order refusing to submit the detailed documentation of their villages and areas?
Therefore, everybody’s guess is if there is nothing to hide then there is absolutely no reason for the Kuki-Zomi chiefs to stand strongly against the State Government order.
On the other hand, many perceives that the Kuki-Zomi chiefs’ defiance is in the face of the stand adopted by Manipur civil society organisations particularly United Naga Council (UNC) and Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) and State Government against illegal immigrants; and for updation of National Register of Citizens (NRC).
Moreover, the Government had taken the decision not to grant recognition to any settlements having less than 50 households. This was announced by Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren on the floor of the Assembly in reply to a query raised by Congress MLA K Ranjit on August 3, 2022, long before the ongoing ethnic clash erupted in May, 2023.
Obviously, many perceives that by submitting the detailed documentation of the Kuki-Zomi villages and areas to the State Government will lead to the disclosures of illegal immigrants and mushrooming villages. Reports said that there are 966 new villages in Manipur.
And people are reminded of the eviction drive conducted by the State Government at K Sonjang village located inside Churachandpur-Khoupum Protected Forest on February 20, 2023, before the eruption of violent conflict on May 3 last year. The eviction drive was staunchly opposed by the Kuki-Zomi tribes.
Nevertheless, it is the State’s prerogative to know the details of each and every villages and villagers of Manipur.
However, the pertinent question persists why the Kuki-Zomi chiefs refuse to submit the detailed documentation of their villages and defy the order of the State. Are the Kuki-Zomis now independent of the State Government? And Kuki-Zomis’ defiance of Manipur Government Still Continues with their de facto control of the areas where Meiteis are not allowed to enter.
Senior Editor: Imphal Review of Arts and Politics
