Imphal: The Kuki Organisation for Human Rights (KOHUR) has strongly criticised Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla for meeting leaders of Arambai Tenggol, a Meitei outfit the Kuki group has labelled as an armed extremist organisation responsible for widespread violence in the state.
The controversial meeting, held on Tuesday, reportedly sought the cooperation of Arambai Tenggol in restoring peace and normalcy to the strife-torn region.
Discussions also included the potential surrender of weapons by the group under specific terms and conditions, according to officials.
In a statement, KOHUR condemned the Governor for engaging with Arambai Tenggol leaders Korounganba Khuman and Robin Mangang, whom they accused of orchestrating violence, ethnic persecution, and destabilisation in Manipur.
The Kuki group expressed outrage, stating that the Kuki-Zo community would “not remain silent” while those allegedly responsible for their persecution are legitimised as political stakeholders.
“KOHUR strongly condemns Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla for holding a meeting with Arambai Tenggol, a group that has inflicted mass violence and ethnic persecution. Engaging with such entities undermines justice for the victims of their actions,” the statement read.
Following the meeting, Arambai Tenggol’s Public Relations Officer Robin Mangang disclosed that the Governor had requested the group to lay down their arms.
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“We have some terms and conditions, and once those are fulfilled, we are prepared to surrender the weapons,” Mangang said.
The meeting has sparked controversy and drawn sharp criticism from Kuki organizations, which see the engagement as an affront to their ongoing struggles for justice and safety amid ongoing ethnic tensions in Manipur.
KOHUR’s statement underscores the deep-seated mistrust between the communities and raises questions about the state’s approach to conflict resolution.
Governor Bhalla has not issued a public response to the criticism.
However, the meeting reflects the administration’s efforts to de-escalate tensions and address the issue of armed groups in the region, a challenge that remains central to achieving lasting peace in Manipur.
