SENAPATI, Feb 25: The Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO) – Sadar Hills has condemned the disruptive and unwarranted actions of the Senapati District Students’ Association (SDSA), following an incident on February 22, 2025, where SDSA members allegedly obstructed and frisked Aaron Kipgen, spokesperson of the United People’s Front (UPF), during his routine travel.
According to the KSO Statement, the incident took place as Aaron Kipgen was en route to a scheduled meeting with the Director General of Assam Rifles. The KSO clarified that the meeting was a routine engagement between the Government of India and the Suspension of Operations (SoO) groups, as part of ongoing peace negotiations. The organization emphasized that there was no “escort” of militants, as falsely claimed by SDSA leaders.
“SDSA leaders are attempting to create unnecessary controversy over a routine engagement. Why is a student body interfering in political matters instead of focusing on student welfare? Their actions amount to nothing more than incitement and misrepresentation of facts.The SDSA leaders’ actions, as described, seem to be an attempt to provoke vested interests and intensify hatred against the Kuki zo people and the Assam Rifles. This behavior is not only uncalled for but also potentially harmful, as it may escalate tensions and create further divisions,” the statement read.
The KSO also criticized SDSA for its double standards regarding security escorts. The organization pointed to past instances where NSCN-IM leaders, such as Muivah and Shimray, were escorted by security forces while carrying arms. Despite the heavy security, there was no outrage or protest from SDSA. KSO questioned why SDSA had not raised similar concerns when the NSCN-IM leaders moved freely with arms, and yet had chosen to act against the routine engagement of the SoO groups and Assam Rifles.
The KSO called on SDSA to stop meddling in political matters and focus on its primary responsibility: student welfare. “As a student organization, SDSA should concentrate on educational issues and not be involved in political meddling,” said the KSO. The organization stressed that SDSA should work as a peace-making body, promoting unity rather than engaging in divisive politics.
“We urge all right-thinking citizens to see through this propaganda and call upon SDSA to act responsibly. Peace and constructive dialogue should be the priority, not unnecessary provocation, inciting and gaslighting one community against another,” stated the KSO.
Meanwhile, the controversy surrounding the SDSA’s actions has sparked fierce criticism from the Kuki community, with some accusing the SDSA of being a “meitei puppet.” Many have voiced their outrage over the SDSA’s interference in the incident. They have mocked the SDSA as “Small Dog Shouting Anytime” and “Cheap Student Association,” accusing them of serving Meitei interests.
Some accused the SDSA of being a “sellout organization” that is more interested in serving its own interests. They claim that the SDSA is being used by Meitei and Naga CSOs, which are linked to their own armed groups, to push anti-Army propaganda.
