Separation is Complete: No More Kukis in Manipur’s Valley of Death

December 14 will forever be etched in memory as the day of Complete Separation from Manipur. Both the surviving and deceased members of the Kuki community have departed from Manipur to return to their Ancestral Land. 60 Kuki Martyrs (41 in Lamka & 19 in Kanggui) finally returned to their home. It is a day filled with emotion. The loved and dear ones of the deceased mourned. Families were heard crying and speaking to the lifeless bodies of their dear ones.

“Hibang dap laitah a nachang hitia hi nalup ham? Ponlum kahin choipeh e boi”. (Why do you lie alone in the cold of winter, my child? I have brought you warm clothes to comfort you.)
“Na panpi koima ana umlou hitam boi?” (Was there no one to save you, my dear child?)
“Na hoilai asat masatpen u ham boi?” (My dear child, which part of your body did they mutilate first?)

Upon the directive of the Supreme Court, the mortal remains of 60 Kukis from JNIMS and RIMS in the neighboring state of Manipur have now arrived at Kuki Ancestral Land. The Kuki martyrs had to be transported via air to Lamka and Kanggui districts due to strong opposition from the radicalized Meitei society. After seven months, and dedicated efforts by the Assam Rifles, the martyrs have finally reached their homes.

The involvement of the highest judicial authority in the nation, the Supreme Court, was necessary to ensure the safe repatriation of the bodies from Manipur. This underscores the inadequacies of the Manipur government, which is a Meitei-centric government and a highly ineffective one. Despite the proximity of Lamka, just 60-odd kilometres away from Manipur, and Kanggui a mere 48 kilometers, the decision to airlift the bodies by the Assam Rifles underscores the pressing need to understand the ground reality. The claim that peace has been restored in Manipur is deceptive. If true peace prevail, we challenge N. Biren Singh to visit Kukiland and personally oversee the delivery of the deceased bodies. This did not happen nor will it ever.

The Kukis whose mortal remains returned today were innocent Indian citizens. They were individuals with families, love, and dear ones—unique people with diverse stories. They resided in Imphal for work, education, and some even grew up there. They endured torture, brutality, and were hunted like wild animals. Kuki government servants had their addresses leaked by Meitei government servants, resulting in targeted attacks and the death of one Kuki income tax employee. Kuki women suffered rape, abuse, and violence, and even young children were not spared. Churches were destroyed, Kuki-owned schools were demolished, and localities were levelled. The once-cherished land became a valley of death for the Kukis. In a distressing video, the slogan “Go back Kuki” was heard as three construction workers in Kakwa (near Singjamei) were brutally murdered in broad daylight. By the grace of God, one among the three survived to tell the story. The wishes of the Meiteis have been fulfilled. We, the Kukis have returned to our ancestral land. N. Biren Singh effectively now is the true Chief Minister of Manipur. Manipur is now liberated from the Kukis, embracing its true identity as Kangleipak, the homeland of the Meiteis.

Our forefathers defended our ancestral land from the mighty British Empire. They fought alongside Netaji and became a part of the Azad Hind Fauz. The Kukis faced loss of lives and villages while defending Manipur against the expansionist policy of Greater Nagalim by NSCN(IM). Additionally, in historical times, the weakened and defeated Meitei kings sought the help of the Kukis in expelling the Burmese from Manipur. The Kukis have made significant sacrifices for India. It is now imperative for fellow Indians and the government to recognize our profound contributions.

Geographically, demographically, and emotionally, the separation is complete. There are no Kukis in Manipur, and likewise, Meiteis are absent from Kukiland. What remains is the call for political separation. As the Supreme Court played a crucial role in the repatriation process, we now urge the Union government, the highest political body, to intervene and establish a homeland for the Kukis. The echoes of December 14th resonate with the plea for true political autonomy and a dedicated space for the Kuki community.