A controversy has broken out after a question in the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) exam failed to mention Kuki militants among the answer options regarding the Manipur crisis. The issue has sparked criticism, with the Meitei Heritage Society demanding an immediate clarification and corrective action from the commission.
The question, set for candidates appearing in the recent competitive examination, asked about the root causes of the Manipur crisis. However, the multiple-choice options excluded references to Kuki militant groups, a detail that several observers consider crucial in understanding the ongoing conflict.
In its representation to the APSC, the Meitei Heritage Society argued that the omission distorts the factual context of the crisis and risks misrepresenting the ground realities. The group urged the Commission to declare the question “null and void” and ensure it is not used for evaluation purposes.
Meanwhile, the Assam panel pointed out that the responsibility lies with the question setters, distancing itself from the content of the exam. Officials said the commission would examine the matter, but stopped short of promising withdrawal of the question.
The controversy adds another layer of sensitivity to the Manipur situation, where narratives around causes and actors involved remain deeply contested. With thousands of candidates affected, how the APSC responds will be closely watched, not only in Assam but also in neighbouring Manipur.