Manipur’s Unity and Territorial Integrity Unaffected: CM Rejects Demand for Separate Admin for Kuki Areas

Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has rejected the demand for a separate administration for the Kuki areas of the state, stating that it would threaten the unity and territorial integrity of the state. Singh made the statement amid growing tensions between the Kuki and the Meitei communities in the state.

Singh’s statement came in response to a memorandum submitted by the Kuki State Demand Committee (KSDC), which is seeking a separate administrative setup for Kuki-inhabited areas in Manipur. The KSDC also demanded the creation of a Kuki Development Council for the socio-economic development of the community.

Singh said that the demand for a separate administration was not feasible as it would create divisions and hurt the integrity of the state. He also assured the Kuki community that their rights and interests would be protected under the existing administrative setup.

The chief minister also urged the Kuki community to refrain from violence and maintain social harmony in the state. He said that the government was committed to ensuring the safety and security of all communities in Manipur.

The Kuki and the Meitei communities have a history of conflict in Manipur. The Kuki community has been demanding a separate administrative setup for their areas, which they claim have been neglected by the government for years. The Meitei community, which is the largest community in the state, opposes the demand for a separate administration.

The tension between the two communities escalated recently after the Kuki community accused the Meitei-dominated state government of neglecting their areas during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and the United People’s Front (UPF) had also called for a shutdown in Kuki areas of the state in protest against the alleged marginalization of the community.

However, the state government has denied the allegations and said that it has been providing assistance to all communities in the state during the pandemic. The government has also initiated a dialogue with the Kuki community to address their grievances.

In conclusion, Manipur’s unity and territorial integrity remain unaffected, and the demand for a separate administration for the Kuki areas has been rejected by the chief minister. The government has assured the Kuki community that their rights and interests will be protected under the existing administrative setup. The state government has also urged all communities to maintain social harmony and refrain from violence.