Reported by Bit Irom
Imphal: The Kuki Liberation Organisation and its armed wing, the Kuki Liberation Army (KLO/KLA), have categorically denied any involvement in recent incidents of violence in Manipur’s Kangchup and New Keithelmanbi areas, distancing themselves from allegations linking the group to deadly attacks on civilians.
In a public statement, the organization rejected reports claiming that the attack on Loibol Kholen village in Kangpokpi district which left three villagers dead and resulted in the destruction of several houses and two vehicles was triggered by a clash between the KLA and the Kuki National Front (KNF). The group described such allegations as “completely false, misleading and baseless.”
According to the KLO/KLA, neither Kangchup nor New Keithelmanbi falls within its area of operation. The organisation stated that its operational jurisdiction is limited to the Saikul region and accused certain quarters of deliberately attempting to associate it with incidents in Kharam Vaiphei and Loibol Kholen.
The group further dismissed reports of an alleged confrontation between the KLA and KNF(P), calling them fabricated narratives aimed at exploiting the prevailing unrest in the state. It alleged that such claims were intended to sow distrust within the Kuki-Zo community and aggravate the already fragile security situation in Manipur‘s hill districts.
The KLO/KLA also asserted that the allegations were part of a broader effort to damage its reputation, weaken ongoing peace initiatives, and divert attention from the actual perpetrators of the attacks.
The organisation noted that its leadership remains engaged in discussions with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on issues including the consolidation of designated camps and measures to reduce tensions with local communities in the aftermath of the ethnic conflict.
On the political front, the group stated that, along with other Kuki-Zomi organisations, it has revised its long-standing demand from seeking an autonomous council to advocating for a separate Union Territory with a legislature for the region.