Manipur: Kuki zo groups slam MLA Khemchand's camp visit

Imphal: Amid ongoing ethnic tensions in Manipur, MLA Khemchand recently visited a relief camp at Litan Sareikhong, accompanied by a heavy security presence, and later travelled to Grihang village.

The purpose of these visits and the details of discussions held have not been officially clarified.

Representatives of the Kuki community expressed concerns about the visits.

They said, “In the current climate of ethnic conflict between the two communities, MLA Khemchand’s visit to the relief camp at Litan Sareikhong raises serious questions about the sincerity and purpose of such gestures. For the Kuki people, who endured immense suffering and loss, this visit feels neither reassuring nor welcome, especially when hostilities remain unresolved, and justice remains elusive.”

Regarding the visit to Grihang village, the representatives added, “Yet the purpose of this visit remains unexplained, with no clarity regarding the objectives of the trip or the discussions that took place.”

The statement also included criticism of the MLA’s past conduct during the conflict. “It is deeply distasteful to see MLA Khemchand cry for peace today when he did nothing and remained silent during the course of the conflict. Such displays feel nothing more than shedding crocodile tears,” they said.

The representatives further alleged that the recent visits were politically motivated.

“These visits appear to be political theatrics aimed at projecting a false narrative of ‘normalcy’ and the possibility of forming a so-called popular government in the state. They seem designed to impress central leaders by creating the illusion that a Meitei MLA can now freely visit Kuki areas in the hills, that tensions have eased, and that peace has returned. At the same time, MLA Khemchand seems eager to position himself within the Meitei community as a bold political figure,” the statement said.

They also called on the central government to focus on justice and security. “The central government must prioritize justice over political gimmicks. Instead of attempting to install a ‘popular government’ that the Kuki people do not accept under the present circumstances, it must focus on delivering meaningful political and security guarantees. A ‘Separate Administration for the Kuki–Zo people’ remains the most appropriate and ‘just response’ that the central government can give to a community that has suffered genocidal acts and persecution,” the representatives added.