Churachandpur, August 9: The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the apex body representing the Kuki tribes in Manipur, has strongly condemned a recent visit by a 17-member delegation claiming to represent the Thadou Inpi Manipur (TIM) to Imphal for purported “peace talks” with various Meitei civil society organisations.
In a press release issued on August 8, the Kuki Inpi categorically rejected the legitimacy of TIM as a representative body of the Thadou or broader Kuki community. Citing several key resolutions — including the Inpi Proclamation No. 2 (July 2023), Delhi Conclave Declaration No. 1 (October 2023), and the Shillong Summit Resolution No. 1 (August 2024) — KIM reiterated that the self-styled Thadou Inpi Manipur has no mandate or moral authority to represent the Kuki people in any negotiation.
KIM’s Secretary of Information and Publicity, Janghaolun Haokip, stated that individuals and organisations claiming to speak on behalf of the Kuki people without endorsement from the legitimate leadership are to be considered ostracised and enemies of the community. The press release accuses TIM of undermining the collective struggle of the Kukis, especially in light of ongoing violence and displacement affecting Kuki communities in the state.
“Peace cannot be built on exclusion, misrepresentation, or betrayal,” the statement read. “Any genuine dialogue must involve authentic, community-mandated representatives and address the historical and recent injustices faced by the Kukis.”
The timing of the delegation’s visit to Imphal on August 6 has raised eyebrows within Kuki civil society, with KIM alleging that it distracts from the core issues of justice, displacement, and systemic marginalisation. The release argues that such unsanctioned peace initiatives risk fracturing unity and diluting the gravity of the community’s suffering.
KIM called on local, national, and international stakeholders to acknowledge the authority of recognised Kuki bodies and reject what it terms as attempts by “fringe elements” to distort the community’s aspirations.
