The Kuki People's Alliance (KPA) has withdrawn support to the Biren Singh-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Manipur.
In a letter addressed to the governor of Manipur, Anusuiya Uikey, under the subject, “Withdrawal of support to the N. Biren Singh Government of Manipur”, KPA president Tongmang Haokip stated: “After careful consideration of the current conflagration, the continued support for the incumbent government of Manipur led by Chief Minister N.Biren Singh is no longer fructuous.
“Accordingly, the support of the KPA to the Government of Manipur is hereby withdrawn and can be considered null and void.”
The KPA was formed by Tongmang Haokip, a former IFS officer, and Wilson L Hangshing on January 12, 2022. The party won two seats in the 2022 Manipur Legislative Assembly election and extended support to the BJP in Manipur and became an ally of the BJP in its government.
However, following the clash that broke out between the Meiteis and the Kukis on May 3, the two MLAs of the Kukis became a part of the 10 Kuki MLAs that demanded a separate administration from the state.
During an interview with journalist, Karan Thapar of The Wire, Wilson L Hangshing, general secretary of the KPA also stated that it would be impossible for the Kukis to continue to live with the Meiteis in the same state.
Meanwhile, the KPA had earlier appealed to the Nagas of Manipur to support them in their effort towards a separate administration.
A release by the KPA president, dated August 3, 2023, stated that “the Kukis are mindful of the love and support given by the silent majority of our Naga brothers in this hour of trauma and suffering.
“The time for unity of purpose and action has come and the doors are always open to our brother Nagas of Manipur to join us in our effort towards separation from Meitei subjugation; that we began this together on 3rd May as a Unity March; that our standing appeal is to join hands in resolving the matter.
"We are confident that we can chart our future together in mutual respect, in mutual trust, with sincerity and integrity."
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