KIM alleges MLA Khemchand’s visits as political theatrics, not peace efforts

The Kuki Inpi Manipur has issued a press release expressing strong reservations about the recent visits of MLA Yumnam Khemchand to Litan Sareikhong amid the ongoing ethnic conflict in the state.
According to the press release, MLA Khemchand’s visit to the relief camp at Litan Sareikhong, accompanied by what it described as a heavy security presence, has raised “serious questions” regarding the intent and sincerity of the gesture. The organisation stated that, for the Kuki community, the visit did not feel reassuring or welcome at a time when hostilities remain unresolved and justice, in their view, “remains elusive.”
The press release further stated that MLA Khemchand’s subsequent halt at Grihang village lacked clarity, as no explanation was provided regarding the objective of the trip or what was discussed. It added that, given the current political conditions, concerns have emerged that the visit may be aimed at creating tensions among the hill tribes, alleging it to be in line with “divide-and-rule tactics” attributed to the majority community.
The organisation stated in the press note that it found it “deeply distasteful” for the MLA to call for peace at this stage, claiming he had remained silent during earlier phases of the conflict. Such appeals, it said, were perceived as “crocodile tears.”
The press release also asserted that the visits appeared to be political theatrics intended to project a misleading narrative of normalcy and to showcase the feasibility of forming what it termed a “popular government” in the state. It alleged that these actions were designed to impress central leaders by creating the impression that a Meitei MLA can now freely enter Kuki-inhabited hill areas and that peace has been restored. At the same time, it claimed that the MLA sought to portray himself as a bold political figure within the Meitei community.
The Kuki Inpi Manipur, in its press release, urged the central government to prioritise justice instead of what it described as political gimmicks. It stated that, rather than attempting to install a “popular government” that the Kuki people do not accept under the present circumstances, the Centre should focus on providing meaningful political and security guarantees.