The conflict between the Kuki and Meitei communities in Manipur has not yet subsided. Kuki community students protested at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, demanding action against Manipur's Chief Minister N. Biren Singh. The protesters accused CM Biren Singh of being involved in promoting violence in the state. Approximately 500 people participated in the protest, wearing black clothes and chanting slogans against Manipur CM Biren Singh.
In a memorandum addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it was stated that the Kuki community has endured continuous attacks from the majority Meitei community since May 3, 2023. They also accused the Kuki community of being subjected to ethnic oppression with full support from the Meitei-majority Manipur government led by CM N. Biren Singh.
The memorandum further claimed that any doubts about the state machinery and state forces' collusion in inciting violence against Kuki minorities should be cleared by an audio recording. However, the Manipur government dismissed this recording as fake.
According to PTI, when asked about this recording in a recent interview, CM Biren Singh said, "Some people are after me. This is a conspiracy. The matter is sub judice. I won't speak much on this. An FIR has been filed in this case."
In the memorandum addressed to the Prime Minister, the protesters demanded an investigation and action against Manipur's Chief Minister. It stated that CM Biren Singh has openly declared his involvement in promoting violence in Manipur, and therefore, we demand his immediate arrest and initiation of a criminal investigation under the supervision of the Supreme Court of India.
The memorandum also called for an extensive and impartial investigation to arrest and punish all ministers and officials involved in the ethnic oppression of the Kuki minority community. The protesters demanded the creation of a union territory with a separate administration and legislature for the Kuki community. They also requested the continued deployment of Assam Rifles in sensitive areas.
During the protest, Kuki Inpi Delhi spokesperson Kim Haokip said, "After the atrocities committed against us, we can't return to Imphal. We don't want anything from CM Biren Singh. We want the central government to address this matter and ensure justice for all Kuki people. We are not asking for separatism."
