Citing lack of trust and unresolved political issues, UKNA backs the shutdown and Kuki people reiterate demand for a separate state or Union Territory.
By Kimbawinu Vaiphei
Songpi, July 4, 2026: The United Kuki National Army (UKNA), Government of KUKI-GAM, has called for an emergency shutdown across all Kuki-inhabited areas on 3 July 2026 in protest against Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh’s proposed visit to Churachandpur.
According to a press note from UKNA’s Department of Information, the shutdown was declared because the visit was scheduled “without the consent of the Kuki people.” UKNA has directed that all shops, schools, and business establishments remain closed. The outfit also appealed to the public to abstain from plying vehicles and to hoist black “FLAG VOM” as a symbol of dissent. UKNA reiterated its full support for the “political demand” of the Kuki people.
UKNA, formed in 2015, said such visits by state leadership during the ongoing crisis only deepen mistrust and widen the divide. It added that normalcy cannot return until the core political issue of the Kuki people is addressed through political dialogue.
In a separate press release, Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) condemned the proposed visit. KIM said the attempt to project normalcy ignores the displacement, loss and trauma faced by Kuki families since May 2023. KIM accused the state government of failing to provide security and justice in Kuki villages and called the move insensitive to ground realities.
The Kuki people further stated that the events of the last 3 years have fundamentally altered the relationship between the communities. There will be no more coexistence between Kuki and Meitei under the present arrangement. The Kuki people will continue to stand united and firm until they achieve a separate state or Union Territory that guarantees security, dignity and self-determination.
