While NSCN-IM has accused Ukhrul SP Kartik of being directly involved in supporting Kuki militants, MPCC president K Meghachandra has highlighted two instances of questionable payments made by the government to Kuki militant groups
TFM Report (With input from Nagaland Correspondent)
A shocking incident has come to light, where Ukhrul SP Kartik has been accused of being directly involved in supporting Kuki militants. On December 18, 2024, the SP allegedly loaded four vehicles with rice and tin sheets, but concealed items were found underneath without disclosing them. The vehicles were sent to Molhang Kuki village, supposedly for the CRPF, but instead, around 200 Kuki militants were waiting to unload the items.
In a press statement issued on January 11, the NSCN-IM has alleged that this incident is proof of the Centre Government’s involvement in sustaining the Kuki militants, providing them with materials and logistics support. The government has allegedly channelled millions of rupees to the Kuki militants in the past.
Meanwhile, Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president K Meghachandra has accused the BJP-led coalition government in the state of being heavily involved in the ongoing crisis in Manipur. Addressing media persons at Congress Bhawan in Imphal on Saturday, Meghachandra alleged that the government has been orchestrating and fuelling the crisis since May 3, 2023, and claimed to have substantial evidence to support his allegations.
Questionable Payments to Militant Groups
Meghachandra highlighted two instances of questionable payments made by the government to militant groups. In July 2024, the state home department paid Rs 6.27 crore to members of the Hmar People’s Convention-Democratic (HPC-D), a signatory of the contentious Suspension of Operation (SoO). However, the payment was made to leaders of the SoO group instead of individual cadres, violating government guidelines.
Similarly, in 2022, the government allegedly paid Rs 27.38 crore to SoO groups in violation of government norms. The payment was made to KNO and UPF leaders without adhering to government procedures.
Contradictions in Government Action
The MPCC president pointed out contradictions in the government’s actions. Despite resolving to withdraw the SoO agreement with Kuki-Zo armed groups in January 2024, and passing a resolution to urge the Government of India to abrogate the agreement in February 2024, the state government paid Rs 6.27 crore to HPC-D in July 2024.
These allegations have raised concerns about the government’s involvement in supporting militant groups and fuelling the ongoing crisis in Manipur. Meghachandra has demanded a thorough investigation into the matter.