Imphal: Meitei group Arambai Tenggol chief Korou Nganba Khuman on Saturday said his organisation does not consider all Kukis as adversaries and is willing to coexist peacefully, but maintained that concerns over illegal immigration and demographic imbalance must be addressed to achieve a lasting resolution to Manipur’s ethnic conflict.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a programme in Imphal, Khuman said Kukis who have long been living in Manipur should continue to stay, but alleged that unchecked illegal immigration has contributed to tensions in the state.
He called for a formal mechanism, such as the National Register of Citizens (NRC) with a defined base year, to identify undocumented migrants.
“We do not see every Kuki as our enemy. We want peace and coexistence. But issues like demographic imbalance, drugs and illegal immigration cannot be ignored. A system like the NRC is needed to identify illegal immigrants,” he said.
Khuman reiterated that long-settled Kuki residents should not be disturbed, but insisted that illegal immigration was a reality that needed to be addressed.
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“For a permanent solution, problems linked to demographic imbalance, drugs and illegal immigrants must be dealt with appropriately,” he said.
He also urged elected representatives to place the interests of the state above all other considerations while working towards peace and stability.
Commenting on the role of Arambai Tenggol, Khuman said the group would continue to exist peacefully but would also remain prepared to act if required.
Manipur has been witnessing ethnic violence between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities since May 2023, in which more than 260 people have been killed and thousands displaced. The state is currently under President’s Rule.
