CHURACHANDPUR, Dec 17: The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) has raised serious concerns over the proposed visit of Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh through the Kangpokpi district on December 18, 2024, to attend the “Robvena Ni” festival as Chief Guest. The council has advised the Chief Minister to reconsider his travel route, citing the potential for inciting unrest and violence in the region.
In a press release issued on Tuesday, the Kuki-Zo Council clarified that while it acknowledges and respects the celebration of Robvena Ni at Senapati and does not oppose CM Biren Singh’s participation in the festival as a guest, they condemned his past actions. The council stated, “However, his criminal actions cannot be overlooked, and the council cannot allow an individual with such a history of duplicity to pass through Kangpokpi by road, as this could potentially incite public unrest and lead to attacks on the CM and his entourage.”
The KZC pointed out the ongoing tension between the State Government and the Kuki-Zo community, accusing the state government, led by N. Biren Singh, of complicity with Meitei extremist groups in carrying out violent actions against the Kuki-Zo people over the past 19 months. The council highlighted that the CM’s role in instigating violence is evident and that his presence in the area could escalate the situation further.
Given the heightened sentiments among the Kuki-Zo people, the council urged the Chief Minister to avoid traveling through Kangpokpi at this time. “It would be unwise for N Biren Singh to travel through the Kuki-Zo habitat areas of Kangpokpi district at this juncture, as the sentiments of the indigenous Kuki-Zo people are running high,” they warned.
The Kuki-Zo Council has called for the CM to cancel his proposed visit, stating that it is in the best interest of all communities. “Any attempt to breach the buffer zone will be dealt with sternly by the Kuki-Zo people, and any unwanted incidents that may occur due to disregard for the buffer zone should be the sole responsibility of the State Government,” the statement concluded.
