Mizzima

The Kuki National Organization/Kuki National Army (Burma) has strongly reacted to the remarks made by Indian Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah in Parliament, suggesting that the Kuki Democratic Front (KDF) was contributing to the escalating tension in Manipur.

In a statement issued on 16 August, KNO/KNA (Burma) said: “The KNO/KNA(B) is astonished to learn the statement made by the Union Home Minister, Shri Amit Shah, during the parliament monsoon session on the last 9 August 2023. His speculative remark without any single evidence that the Manipur violence was caused by the Kuki Democratic Front (KDF) was unacceptable."

Additionally, the KNO/KNA (Burma) is shocked and astounded that the so-called the Meitei extreme nationalist organizations and community leaders for relentlessly making wrongful accusations against the KNA (Burma) and People Defense Force (PDF) of Myanmar for being involved and interfering in the Manipur Kuki-Meitei ethnic violence. The KNO/KNA (Burma) asserted such accusation as baseless, unjustified and unpardonable.

"KNO/KNA (Burma) and PDF have not been involved in the Manipur crisis up until now. This is a baseless accusation against us. We, KNO/KNA (Burma) have been actively collaborating with the NUG (National Union Government) in the spring revolution until today to fight against the military junta," Francis from KNO/KNA Information and Publicity told Mizzima.

Additionally, he said that the Meitei armed groups in Manipur, who are opposing the Indian government, consist of individuals who were previously associated with the Myanmar Military army on the Burmese side prior to the Spring Revolution. He viewed the Union Home Minister's statement as disheartening for the indigenous Kuki tribal people.

However, the KNO/KNA (Burma) also claimed that the Kuki people in Tamu District, Myanmar are currently providing shelter and humanitarian needs to the displaced Meitei people who ran away from Moreh town, India due to Kuki-Meitei ethnic violence. We are doing our best to show human kindness to the Meitei refugees in Tamu regardless of Manipur ethnic violence.

KNO/KNA (Burma) is deeply concerned the possibility of growing hatred and misunderstanding between the ethnic communities in Manipur, India because of such made up stories and evil intended plots.

The Meitei community traces its origins to Manipur, Myanmar, and the surrounding regions. Hinduism is the predominant religion among the Meitei people. On the other hand, the Kuki community, who are predominantly Christian, have migrated and settled across various parts of northeastern India. It is worth noting that many Kuki in Manipur can also trace their ancestral roots back to Myanmar. 
Since May, a wave of violence in Manipur has resulted in the deaths of at least 180 individuals, with over 400 others sustaining injuries. The ongoing conflict has also led to the displacement of more than 60,000 people, according to local source.