IMPHAL, July 7: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Manipur president A. Sharda Devi has declined to comment on the recent resolution issued by the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), which directed all Kuki-Zo legislators to refrain from participating in the formation of a new state government.

Speaking to reporters on Sunday after attending the 125th birth anniversary of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee at the state BJP office, Sharda Devi simply stated she had no comments on the matter, refusing to be drawn into the ongoing political tension.

On Saturday, the Kuki Inpi Manipur, issued a firm statement asserting that none of the 10 Kuki-Zo MLAs in the Manipur Legislative Assembly should participate in the formation of any new government. The group said this decision represents the “collective political will and aspirations of the Kuki-Zo people” and is binding on all community representatives and organizations.

Of the 10 Kuki-Zo legislators currently in the state assembly, seven belong to the BJP. These MLAs have been demanding a separate administration, specifically Union Territory status for Kuki-dominated areas since ethnic clashes erupted on May 3, 2023. The conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities has so far claimed over 250 lives and displaced more than 60,000 individuals.

Responding to the media on the sidelines of the same event, BJP MLA Dinganglung Gangmei, echoed the party’s non-committal stance. “In a parliamentary democracy, the party leaders will decide; we are just karyakartas (party workers),” he said. Gangmei added that they remain hopeful about the ongoing rehabilitation process. “As the Chief Secretary has stated, we are hopeful that the internally displaced persons will be rehabilitated by the end of December.”

Similarly, Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba offered no direct comment on the Kuki Inpi’s resolution. “The decision to take any steps depends on the central leadership. I don’t have any comment on that at the moment,” he said when asked about the implications of the boycott call.