Manipur violence: All 10 Kuki MLAs demand separate administration for their community

All 10 Kuki MLAs, including eight from the Bharatiya Janata Party, in Manipur on Friday urged the Centre to create a separate administration in the wake of the violent clashes between their community and the Meiteis last week.

The MLAs alleged that the violence was perpetrated by the majority Meitei community and was “tacitly supported” by the BJP-run state government.

“As the state of Manipur has miserably failed to protect us, we seek of the Union of India a separate administration under the constitution of India and live peacefully as neighbours with the state of Manipur,” the MLAs said in a statement.

The MLAs are Haokholet Kipgen, Ngursanglur Sanate, Kimneo Haokip Hangshing, Letpao Haokip, LM Khaute, Letzamang Haokip, Chinlunthang, Paolienlal Haokip, Nemcha Kipgen and Vungjagin Valte. Of these Chinlunthang and Hangshing belong to the Kuki People’s Alliance and the rest to the BJP.

The violence in Manipur began on May 3 after thousands participated in a protest march organised by the All Tribal Students’ Union of Manipur to oppose the demand of the Meitei community to be included in the Scheduled Tribe category.

The protesters include the Kukis, one of the larger tribal communities in Manipur. They have been at odds with the state government, and, in particular, Chief Minister N Biren...

Read more