The United Kuki National Army (UKΝΑ), The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) and various Kuki CSOs from Churachandpur had strongly condemned the “Operation Khanpi” and the killing of four (4) cadres of the United Kuki National Army (UKNA) at Khanpi Village, Henglep Sub-Division, Churachandpur District during the operation and call for a total shutdown in Churachandpur District and appeal to the general public to observe district-wide mourning on the day of the funeral of the four late UKNA cadres
The United Kuki National Army (UKΝΑ), Government of Kuki-Gam in a statement issued by Department Of Home Affairs, UKNA stated that, “UKNA condemn the cowardice act of the people who act in connivance with security forces at KHANPI on 4th November where four cadres were killed while they were asleep.
“This is to remind to the Indian Army and all the Kuki-Zo people that, the Meitei people had forced us to leave their territory. Many were killed, butchered, tortured, raped, lynched and naked paraded. The atrocities meted out to us was witnessed and condemned by the good-world. The Indian army had failed to protect and make avoid these incidents. We are however grateful for the ensuing protection and stability and establishment of buffer zones between Kuki-Zo and Meiteis.
“After the war declared on us, We have fled into the hills, where we belong. Let us be reminded that our forefathers never acceded to merging the hills with the valley and form a state. However, we have been living in peace and almost got assimilated into the valley culture in these many years. The ethnic cleansing drive of May 2023 led by the then CM Biren Singh utilizing the whole state government machinery had compelled us to take up arms in defense to our land and people.
“We are neither a threat to the society nor we are against the Indian army. We stand for a separate administration from Manipur state. We will surrender ourselves once the SEPARATE ADMINISTRATION (UT) demand is fulfilled.
“We therefore urged the security forces to avoid being misled by few people who camouflaged themselves as the leader of the people, while their true intention is usurping power and money at the cost of the dignity of their people. As we stand with our people fighting our real enemy who separated us with our innocent blood. We demand and fight our rights under the Indian Constitution respecting the Centre talks and Indian Army. “
The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) in their condemnation statement expressed deep shock and indignation at the reported armed operation by paramilitary forces on UKNA, which allegedly resulted in the deaths of four UKNA members and the arrest of another.
The statement reads “this incident has caused profound pain and outrage among the Kuki-Zo community. We firmly reiterate that we remain committed to peaceful dialogue and cooperation with the Government of India to find an enduring and honourable resolution for our people. However, continued targeted actions against our community severely undermine trust and jeopardize peace efforts.
“While we have consistently called for peace and restraint, it is deeply unfortunate that security operations have further wounded the sentiments and security of our people. Selective enforcement and a failure to address armed aggression against the Kuki-Zo community create grave injustice and long-term instability.
“We urge all authorities to exercise utmost sensitivity and impartiality, and to work toward de-escalation, justice, and restoration of peace. The Kuki-Zo people have endured immeasurable hardship and violence. Our patience and resilience should not be mistaken for weakness or acceptance of injustice. We cannot and will not accept actions that threaten our lives, dignity, and future
The Kuki Civil Societies of Churachandpur comprising the Kuki Inpi Churachandpur (KIC), Kuki Chief Association Churachandpur (KCA), Kuki Women Union Churachanpur (KWU), Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights (KWOHR), Kuki Khanglai Lawmpi (KKL), and Kuki Students’ Organisation Churachandpur (KSO) also strongly condemn the killing of four (4) cadres of the United Kuki National Army (UKNA) at Khanpi Village, Henglep Sub-Division, Churachandpur District, during a counter-insurgency operation carried out by Indian security forces at daybreak this morning.
“We express our deepest sorrow over the tragic loss of lives and extend our condolences to the bereaved families.
“The Kuki Civil Societies appeal to both the Government security agencies and all insurgent and volunteer groups to refrain from further bloodshed and to seek peaceful means to resolve differences, so that peace and harmony may prevail in the district.
“We condemn all forms of violence and bloodshed and urge the Government of India to urgently work towards a political solution in the form of a Separate Administration, as the only viable means to restore lasting peace and normalcy in our land.
“In honour of the departed souls, the Kuki Civil Societies call for a total shutdown in Churachandpur District and appeal to the general public to observe district-wide mourning on the day of the funeral of the four late UKNA cadres” added the statement.
