KIM opposes popular Govt

Guwahati, Feb 4
The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) has strongly opposed the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) move to form a “so-called popular Government” in Manipur, warning that such a step could further destabilise the already volatile law and order situation in the State.
In a strongly worded statement, the apex body of the Kuki-Zo people described the BJP’s efforts as “deeply disturbing and shocking,” arguing that the formation of a popular Government at this juncture would have grave consequences for peace and stability.
The organisation outrightly rejected the proposed political arrangement, calling it a Meitei-centric exercise that lacks the capacity to deliver peace, justice, or reconciliation. According to KIM, such a Government would only embolden State machinery to pursue what it termed an agenda of domination, persecution, and systematic subjugation of the Kuki-Zo people.
Citing these concerns, the Kuki Inpi Manipur said it has strongly dissuaded Kuki-Zo MLAs from associating with the proposed government. It reiterated that no Kuki-Zo MLA should, under any circumstances, lend legitimacy to a political exercise that disregards the suffering, aspirations, and political will of the Kuki-Zo community.
“At this highly sensitive and volatile juncture, the formation of a popular Government is not only ill-advised but deeply provocative,” the statement said, adding that such a move would neither restore normalcy nor heal the deep fractures caused by the ongoing conflict. Instead, it warned, it could further inflame tensions and push Manipur towards greater instability.
While clarifying that it does not claim the authority to decide whether a popular government should be formed, KIM asserted its moral right to appeal to Kuki-Zo MLAs to stay away from the proposed Government as a mark of respect for the will and sentiments of the people who elected them.
The organisation accused the BJP of forcing a political arrangement that lacks both moral and political legitimacy, alleging that the party’s determination reflects indifference to the prevailing ground realities and the potential consequences for the people of Manipur.
Calling for an alternative approach, the Kuki Inpi Manipur urged the Central Government to continue President’s Rule in Manipur under appropriate constitutional provisions until a political solution that is “just, durable, and acceptable to the Kuki-Zo people” is reached.
KIM further warned that any Kuki-Zo MLA who chooses to join such a government must publicly explain their decision, especially in light of the Guwahati Conclave resolution adopted earlier. It said such MLAs would have to take full responsibility for their actions.
The organisation also issued a strong warning that if a popular government is formed, it would be compelled to curtail all political activities of political parties in Kuki-Zo areas. North East Now