Wed Feb 12 18:51:14 UTC 2025: ## Manipur’s Meitei Community Accuses Kuki Groups of Exploiting Violence to Push for Separate Administration

Imphal, Manipur – Tensions remain high in Manipur following the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh, with the Meitei community accusing Kuki groups of using the ongoing unrest to further their long-standing demand for a separate administration.

The Coordination Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), the umbrella body for Meitei civil society organizations, issued a statement alleging that Kuki groups continue to seek justifications for their movement, even after the Chief Minister’s resignation, which COCOMI claims was intended to improve the situation. COCOMI asserts that Kukis are prolonging the violence, causing suffering among their own people to advance a political agenda. They urged the Indian government to hold accountable individuals and organizations fueling instability.

This statement comes as the possibility of President’s Rule looms over the state. The resignation of the Chief Minister, a day before a no-confidence motion was to be introduced, has done little to quell the conflict. The Kuki community, represented by groups like the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) and the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), along with Kuki-Zo MLAs and militant groups, continue to press for a separate administration, citing the May 2023 ethnic clashes as justification. They insist on an investigation into the Chief Minister’s alleged role in the violence before engaging in talks.

However, COCOMI highlights past Kuki protests advocating for a separate “Kukiland,” dating back to 1946-47, as evidence of a long-term agenda. The World Kuki-Zo Intellectual Council (WKZIC) recently reiterated this demand in a memorandum to the Governor, emphasizing their claim to self-determination.

The conflict between the valley-dwelling Meitei and the hill-dwelling Kuki communities, which began in May 2023, has resulted in over 250 deaths and 50,000 internally displaced persons. The situation remains volatile, with both sides entrenched in their positions, leaving the future of Manipur uncertain.

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