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Kuki Inpi’s NRC Stand is Akin to Demanding Separate Administration

Why Did Chief Minister Biren Applaud It?

by Editorial Team
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Kuki Inpi’s NRC Stand is Akin to Demanding Separate Administration

Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has applauded the Kuki Inpi’s acceptance of conducting the National Register of Citizens (NRC). However, a closer examination of Kuki Inpi’s conditions reveals that their acceptance is premised on a demand for separate administration. This raises serious questions about the implications for Manipur’s territorial integrity and administrative control.
The Kuki Inpi, a representative body for the Kuki community, has explicitly stated that the Manipur state government and the Meitei leadership may implement the NRC only within the territorial bounds of the “buffer zones.” These zones are currently areas not controlled by the Kukis. The clear message is that the Manipur government should limit its reach to regions outside of Kuki-controlled territories, the valley areas. Furthermore, the Kuki Inpi has made it evident that only the central government will be allowed to operate within their controlled areas.
By asserting that the NRC should be conducted under the supervision of the Supreme Court and in consultation with Kuki Inpi in Kuki controlled areas, the Kuki leadership effectively demands that Manipur government should stay away from their affairs. Such a demand, if accepted, would be tantamount to acknowledging a separate administration for the Kuki areas, at least in a de facto manner.
The Kuki Inpi’s position also aligns with their counter that they are not engaged in any peace talks with the Manipur government, directly contradicting CM Biren Singh’s statement that dialogues are ongoing with Kuki leaders. The Kuki leadership has been very clear in its stance that the Manipur government should not interfere in their matters, and only the central government should deal with them. This is akin to demanding a union territory status, which would mean a significant reconfiguration of administrative control in the state.
Given this context, the Chief Minister’s recent statement of appreciation for the Kuki Inpi’s demand is puzzling. Why would CM Biren Singh applaud a move that essentially undermines the state’s control over a substantial portion of its territory? Several interpretations can be considered.
First, it is possible that the CM’s statement is a strategic move aimed at maintaining peace and stability in the region. By appearing to support the Kuki Inpi’s demands, the state government might be trying to avoid further escalation of tensions. In a state that has experienced ethnic conflict, any gesture towards conciliation, even if it appears to concede ground, could be seen as a step towards maintaining a fragile peace.
Second, the CM’s approval might be part of a larger political calculation. By supporting the Kuki Inpi’s demands, the state government could be attempting to leverage the central government’s involvement. If the NRC is conducted under the supervision of the Supreme Court and the central government, the state could potentially shift the responsibility and any resulting fallout to the central authorities.
However, regardless of the underlying reasons, the implications of the CM’s statement are important. If the Manipur government accepts the Kuki Inpi’s conditions, it would effectively be conceding a significant degree of administrative control over Kuki-dominated areas. This could set a precedent for other ethnic groups in Manipur, potentially leading to further fragmentation of the state’s administrative structure.
While CM Biren Singh’s applause for the Kuki Inpi’s NRC stand may be driven by a desire for peace, political strategy, or recognition of ground realities, it raises significant questions about the future of Manipur’s territorial and administrative integrity.

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