Songpi: The United Kuki National Army (UKNA), Government of Kuki-Gam, on Friday said peace between Kuki and Meitei communities is not possible at this juncture.
In a statement issued by its Department of Information on August 8, the group said the Chief Minister’s remarks on ‘Peace and Free Movement’ during a meeting at Kangpokpi on August 7 were rejected and condemned, terming it a “ploy.”
The outfit asserted that the demand of the whole nation is Separate Administration.
The group also criticised the Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU) over its recent remarks. It stated that those issuing statements in the name of Nampi and those associating with the enemy community on social media should stop such activities.
The statement further said that the nation will not surrender due to hardship in one village and that people should prepare to defend their land. It appealed to people living in towns to remember those suffering in villages and guarding the borders.
It further said its political goal is beyond election politics and sought public cooperation.
About UKNA and Its Political Stand
The United Kuki National Army (UKNA) is an armed organisation operating under the banner of Government of Kuki-Gam, established in 2015 with the motto “Kuki Nam jalenna din kapang jing uve” (We struggle for Kuki Nation).
The group is not part of the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement with the Government of India but has been vocal since the outbreak of the ethnic conflict in Manipur on May 3, 2023.
Like other Kuki civil and armed groups, the UKNA has consistently demanded Separate Administration in the form of Union Territory with Legislature for the Kuki people, citing that living together under the same administration is no longer possible after the violence and displacement.
In its previous statements, the UKNA has claimed that it is committed to defending Kuki villages, particularly in buffer zones and border areas adjoining the valley.
The outfit maintains that any peace initiative without addressing the core political demand of Separate Administration will be unacceptable.
