IMPHAL — Kuki community leaders sharply criticized Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh’s decision to appoint Lt. Gen. (Retd.) L. Nishikanta Singh as adviser on security architecture, rehabilitation and stabilization. The move, announced after a cabinet meeting on February 17, drew fire from groups like the Committee on Tribal Unity, who labeled Singh a ‘radical’ unfit for the role in a state still reeling from ethnic violence.

Lun Kipgen, spokesperson for the Committee on Tribal Unity, told reporters the appointment undermines efforts to restore calm after months of clashes between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. ‘Appointing someone with a military background who called Kukis militants sets us back to square one,’ Kipgen said. He pointed to Singh’s alleged role in disseminating false information during the burning of a Kuki-Zo colony in Sugnu by militants including Arambai Tenggol, UNLF and PLA.

Another unnamed Kuki leader called it one of the most controversial picks yet. ‘He continues to tweet against our community. How can he work for peace?’ the leader asked, urging the government to reconsider and choose a neutral figure, perhaps from outside Manipur.

Singh, appointed for one year alongside Meitei advisors Oinam Sunil Singh for media and Krishnananda Samurailatpam Sharma for policy, dismissed the backlash. Speaking Sunday, he insisted past incidents are ‘bygones’ and stressed his priority is restoring normalcy. ‘Only a few negatives are highlighted, ignoring times I helped Kuki members,’ Singh said. He committed to outreach across communities, noting the chief minister’s recent visit to Jiribam and meetings with Hmar villagers and Meitei families.

The 1958-born Manipur native, Manipur’s second lieutenant general since 2015, led a 2010 rescue in Afghanistan and earned two Vishisht Seva Medals. Security officers praised his credentials. One described him as a decorated military intelligence veteran who knows Manipur intimately. ‘He must prove neutrality and earn trust across communities,’ the officer added.

A second officer viewed the appointment positively under new CM Yumnam Khemchand Singh. ‘It’s outreach to all sides. Singh’s experience won’t derail peace if the government stays constructive.’

Singh rejected RSS affiliation claims circulating on social media over his October article in Organiser praising the group’s century of work in Northeast India. ‘I praise good efforts, not join organizations,’ he said. In his advisory role, he plans independent assessments free of partisan influence to guide security and rehabilitation.

Manipur remains tense despite peace initiatives. The appointments aim to stabilize the state, but Kuki objections highlight deepening divides.