The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) has directed all Kuki-Zo MLAs not to attend the upcoming session of the Manipur Legislative Assembly, scheduled to begin in Imphal on September 2.
In a statement issued on Monday, the KIM said the directive would remain in force pending a political settlement to the Kuki-Zo community’s demand for a Separate Administration.
The organisation said the participation of Kuki-Zo MLAs in the Assembly, while the “fundamental political question” concerning the future of the Kuki-Zo people remains unresolved, would be contrary to the collective political position and aspirations of the community.
The KIM maintained that the demand for a separate political administration cannot be put aside while legislative proceedings resume as if the political crisis has been resolved. It said there could be no return to “business as usual” without a political solution.
The organisation appealed to all Kuki-Zo MLAs to demonstrate political responsibility, unity and solidarity with the people they represent by adhering to the directive.
It also warned that any Kuki-Zo MLA who chooses to disregard the directive would be viewed as having departed from the collective political position of the Kuki-Zo people and their political aspirations.
According to the KIM, the present circumstances require unity, discipline and a clear political stand. It also questioned the legitimacy of the Manipur Legislative Assembly as an instrument of governance over Kuki-Zo areas, saying the issue remains fundamentally contested.
The organisation further stated that the Kuki-Zo people would not accept any attempt to use the participation of their MLAs in the Assembly to create an impression of normalcy or weaken the demand for a political settlement.
The statement was issued by D. David, Joint Secretary (Information), Kuki inpi Manipur.
