IT News
Imphal, Dec 11:
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Manipur General Secretary, K. Sharatkumar, has accused the Congress party of maintaining an alleged alliance with Kuki separatist organizations. Speaking to the media at Thambal Sanglen, Sharatkumar referenced a letter by the World Kuki-Zo Intellectual Council (WKZIC) dated November 25, 2024, addressed to Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge. The letter urged the Congress to introduce a “Kuki Political Solution Bill” in Parliament, seeking a separate Union Territory for Kuki-dominated areas.
Sharatkumar claimed this appeal was evidence of a “pact” between Kuki organizations and the Indian National Congress (INC). He recalled an alleged election directive issued by Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) during the Lok Sabha elections in April 2024. The directive purportedly instructed Kuki voters to support Congress candidates, promising in return the party’s backing for a separate Kuki administration, exemption from the National Register of Citizens (NRC), and other political assurances.
The BJP leader further alleged that Kuki separatist groups, including those under Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreements, had coordinated with the Congress party to manipulate the election process. He cited the deployment of cadres at polling booths and threats of punitive action against non-compliant voters as examples of electoral interference.
Sharatkumar accused the Congress of using its purported alliance with Kuki groups to push for policies favoring Kuki dominance in Manipur, including controversial proposals like excluding Chin-Zomi-Mizo tribes from Scheduled Tribe recognition while protecting Kuki classifications. He also alleged that these actions facilitated unchecked immigration and population dominance by illegal Kuki immigrants, threatening Manipur’s social and political fabric.
The BJP leader claimed the ongoing violence in Manipur, which erupted on May 3, 2023, was a premeditated effort orchestrated by Kuki leaders, including Myanmar-born PS Haokip, President of the Kuki National Organization (KNO). He pointed to a viral video of Kuki National Army (KNA) members displaying sophisticated weaponry as evidence of foreign involvement and the growing strength of Kuki insurgency networks.
Sharatkumar called for vigilance among Manipur’s indigenous population and the nation at large, warning of the dangers posed by Kuki separatism and alleged narco-terrorism. He equated the fight against Kuki militancy with India’s battle against other forms of terrorism, urging united action to protect the state’s integrity and national security.
