Apex Kuki body says no knowledge of talks with Chief Minister; stresses due process, people’s consent for any govt dialogue
By Nengcha Haokip, Kukiland Express
Songpi, June 19, 2026: The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the apex body of the Kuki tribes, has issued a clarification denying any knowledge of a meeting between its representatives, the Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO), and Chief Minister Khemchand Singh. The statement, released from the KIM Secretariat in Lamka on June 18, 2026, seeks to address speculation over reported engagements with the state government.
In the clarification signed by General Secretary Paotinthang Lupheng, KIM stated it “has no knowledge of any meeting having taken place” between representatives of KIM, KSO, and the Chief Minister. The apex body emphasized that it had not authorised any such dialogue and was not party to any discussions if they occurred.
KIM further underscored that any engagement with the Government must “strictly follow due process, including prior consultation with the Executive Committee and the consent of the people.” The statement described any deviation from this established procedure as “unacceptable” and a “breach of organizational discipline.”
The clarification added that if any member is found to have participated in such a meeting without authorisation, “appropriate action will be taken in accordance with the principles of accountability and responsibility upheld by the organization.” The move signals KIM’s intent to maintain internal protocol amid ongoing political developments in Manipur.
The statement comes amid heightened sensitivity around dialogue between Kuki civil bodies and the state government following the ethnic violence that broke out in May 2023. KIM, headquartered at the KIM Administrative Centre in Lamka – 795128, reiterated that collective consultation and public consent remain central to its approach on government engagements.
