Churachandpur, September 13: In a significant political move, ten Kuki legislators from Manipur on Saturday submitted a joint memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding the creation of a separate Union Territory with a legislature for the Kuki community. The appeal was made during Modi’s maiden visit to Churachandpur, where he addressed a public gathering.
The memorandum signed by the 10 MLAs alleged that the community had suffered “unprecedented ethnic persecution” in Manipur and could no longer coexist with the majority population. “We can now live in peace only as good neighbours, never under the same roof again,” the joint memorandum declared, underscoring separation as the only path to lasting peace and security.
The signatories included BJP MLAs Vungzagin Valte (Thanlon), Ngursanglur Sanate (Tipaimukh), Letzamang Haokip (Henglep), Paolienlal Haokip (Saikot), Lallianmang Khaute (Churachandpur), Letpao Haokip (Tengnoupal), and Nemcha Kipgen (Kangpokpi); KPA legislators Chinlunthang Manlun (Singngat) and Kimneo Hangshing (Saikul); along with Independent MLA Haokholet Kipgen (Saitu).
Citing alleged state complicity in the 2023 ethnic violence, which forced Kukis to leave valley areas, the legislators argued that only a separate administrative arrangement could guarantee justice, security, and dignity for their people. They expressed hope that Modi’s visit would mark a “historic shift” in Manipur’s political future.
“This alone, we believe, will bring lasting peace and a sense of belonging to our people,” the memorandum concluded.
