Guwahati: The Kuki Inpi, the apex body of the Kuki community in Manipur, has condemned the recent statements made by Security Adviser Kuldiep Singh, demanding a public apology for what it described as “irresponsible and dangerous” remarks.
In a press release issued on Thursday, the Kuki Inpi expressed its dismay over a statement made by Singh during a press conference on September 20, where he claimed that 900 Kuki militants from Myanmar had crossed the border to attack the Meitei population.
Singh had declared that the intelligence was “100% true,” leading to heightened fear and tensions in the already volatile region.
The Kuki Inpi strongly criticised Singh for spreading unverified information, which they said had further aggravated the ongoing unrest in Manipur. “Such baseless statements, without proper verification, have only exacerbated the existing unrest in the state,” the statement read.
To them, the situation took a turn when, just five days later, on September 25, Kuldiep Singh, alongside State DGP Rajiv Singh, admitted in a subsequent press release that the intel could not be substantiated on the ground. The officials also noted that there was “no reason to believe” the previously asserted “100% verified” information, marking a stark contradiction to their earlier claims.
The Kuki Inpi termed this reversal as a “blatant about-face,” accusing Singh of displaying a lack of professionalism and highlighting the dangerous consequences of spreading misinformation.
“It is both sad and deeply troubling that a high-ranking government officer like Kuldiep Singh has allowed himself to become a mere mouthpiece for Chief Minister Biren Singh, who has been the driving force behind the ongoing pogrom against the Kuki community,” the statement added.
The apex body further accused Singh of being a “puppet” in a political agenda aimed at destabilising and annihilating the Kuki community.
The Kuki Inpi demanded that Singh issue a public apology for his actions and urged him to perform his duties impartially, without succumbing to political pressure.
“If he cannot uphold the integrity required of his office, it would be in the best interest of the public for him to step aside and allow a more deserving and competent officer to take his place, we also urged him to not repeat spreading unverified news or intel which can create unnecessary tension, failing to which the Kukis will be compelled to take necessary measures to ensure his removal from his position,” the Kuki Inpi added.
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