The Kuki Human Rights Council (KHRC), a prominent Kuki organization, has called on 10 Kuki MLAs from Manipur, including seven from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), to step down from their assembly positions. The council said this action would reaffirm their commitment to the community’s longstanding demand for a separate administration.
“Betrayal of Trust,” Says KHRC
In a statement released on Saturday, the KHRC described the MLAs’ continued presence in the Manipur Assembly as a “betrayal of the trust” of the Kuki community. The community has long sought a distinct administrative structure to ensure safety, security, dignity, protection of land, and lives.
Names of the 10 MLAs
The KHRC specifically named the 10 MLAs: Letpao Haokip, Nemcha Kipgen, Kimneo Hangshing, Vungzagin Valte, Lallianmang Khaute, Chinlunthang Manlun, Paolienlal Haokip, Ngursanglur Sanate, Letzamang Haokip, and Haokholet Kipgen.
Resignation as a Statement
The council stressed the importance of resignation as a strong political statement, “By resigning from the assembly, you can send a strong message that you are committed to the cause of separate administration and willing to take bold action to achieve it…. The Kuki community demands concrete action, and the KHRC will not rest until this demand is met.”
Manipur Under President’s Rule
Manipur has been under President’s Rule since February 13, after former Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned on February 9. This followed almost two years of ethnic violence that killed at least 260 people and displaced about 50,000.
Separate Administration Seen as Fundamental Right
The KHRC highlighted that the demand for a separate administration is not merely about political autonomy but is considered a fundamental right of the Kuki community. The council stated that it could not compromise on this issue.
