The Kuki CSOs Working Committee Ukhrul on Friday issued a rebuttal to the statement attributed to K. Timothy Zimik from his petition submitted to the Governor of Manipur on 4 April 2026.
The statement issued by the Department of Information and Media, WCKCSOs-Ukhrul stated that “the statements attributed to Mr. K Timothy Zimik-from his petition submitted to the Governor of Manipur on April 4, 2026, and reported by Ukhrul Times published on April 7, 2026-are misleading and inflammatory. They risk distorting public understanding of Manipur’s complex socio-political situation.
1. Allegation of Kuki-Chin Influx as the Root Cause of Ethnic Violence:
The claim that ethnic violence in Manipur is primarily driven by the influx of Kuki-Chin populations from Myanmar is factually inaccurate. Immigration data shows cross-border movement involves multiple communities, not exclusively Kukis. Manipur’s unrest stems from historical grievances, land disputes, and competing political aspirations among Meitei, Kuki, and Naga communities. Blaming a single group oversimplifies the issue and risks deepening communal tensions.
2. Allegation of Kukis and Assam Rifles as “Business Partners”:
The assertion that the Assam Rifles is colluding with “Kuki armed terrorists” is unverified and serious. Such claims undermine trust in national security institutions. The Assam Rifles operates under strict oversight, and suggesting collusion without evidence is irresponsible and dangerous.
In light of Mr. Zimik’s statements, he may be liable for:
i) Defamation – Section 356 BNS: publishing statements that damage the reputation of individuals or groups.
ii) Promoting enmity – Section 196 BNS: inciting hatred or disharmony between communities.
iii) Public mischief – Section 353 BNS: spreading statements or rumours likely to create fear, alarm, or unrest.
Facts, evidence, and responsibility must guide public discourse-especially from senior figures.
“For a senior official of his education and experience, Mr. Zimik’s statements are not just misleading-they are recklessly irresponsible and dangerously divisive” stated the statement issued by the Department of Information and Media, WCKCSOs-Ukhrul
