As KYKL Observes 31st Anniversary, it called for return of internally displaced persons amid criticism and accusations of GoI’s role in Manipur violence
TFM Desk
Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL), a proscribed armed group in Manipur marks its 31st anniversary on April 25 with a message that wished a way for displaced communities to return home while sharply criticizing the Indian government’s handling of the ethnic violence in Manipur.
In a press release issued by Chairman N. Oken, the group extended greetings to the people of Western South East Asia (WESEA), including students, workers, peasants, revolutionary groups, civil society organizations (CSOs), intellectuals, and journalists.
The statement expressed hope that “all those displaced and sheltering in relief camps for the last 24 months should be able to return home to begin their lives anew.” Over 70,000 people have been displaced since clashes between the Kuki and Meetei communities erupted since May 2023.
Criticism of India’s Role in Manipur Violence
The proscribed KYKL accused the Government of India of “deliberately planning to incite and prolong the violence” between the two communities, alleging “incoherent, contradictory, and illogical” policies.
“When armed Kuki militants attacked Meetei, India stood helpless as if it was an attack launched by China. The central government supports one side and its security forces extends help to the same side. When bullets are fired from the hills, the security forces conduct military operations in the valley. They have not been able to stop the cultivation of poppy plants in reserved forests nor have they been able to halt the devastating deforestation in the hills. When our golden land turns into a dried leaf, they stood still. They do not stop the infiltration of illegal immigrants from Myanmar but help them to enter India. The central government has even immobilized a people elected state government instead of giving due and deserving compensation to those whose homes and hearths have been reduced to ashes. All these have not been adequately or logically explained. In short, India is not able to mirror the true picture of India-Manipur relation”, argued the KYKL chief.
“In the name of controlling the violence, Indian leaders change their views every five-six months, turning statements upside down without consistency,” the statement claimed. “There seems to be no coordination even among security forces tasked with maintaining order” said KYKL. The group questioned whether India was “looking for a reason to interfere and intervene based on India’s foundational interests by way of deception.”
KYKL Seeks Public Feedback
The group also invited “the people, intellectuals, and concerned individuals” to provide “honest feedback” after analyzing its message, stating it would be “immensely grateful” for such engagement. (To be continued)