Kuki-Zo Council Seeks Separate Union Territory, Threatens to Pull MLAs Out of Manipur Government

The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) has warned of stronger political measures against the Manipur government if it fails to ensure the community’s security, deliver justice and advance a meaningful political solution to the state’s prolonged ethnic conflict.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, October 28, the council said it could call on elected Kuki-Zo legislators to withdraw from participation in the Manipur government. It also warned that Kuki-Zo groups operating under a Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement could be urged to reconsider their cooperation with the government.

The council claimed that more than 250 Kuki-Zo people have been killed and over 40,000 displaced since ethnic violence erupted in Manipur on May 3, 2023.

The KZC accused the government of practising selective justice, alleging that swift action followed incidents in which Meitei or Naga civilians were harmed, while comparable action was lacking after the deaths of Kuki-Zo civilians. These allegations were made by the council in its statement.

The organisation reiterated its demand for a separate administration for the Kuki-Zo community in the form of a Union Territory with a legislature. It said concrete steps on security, justice and a political settlement were necessary to prevent further escalation.

The Kuki-Zo community is represented by 10 MLAs in Manipur’s 60-member Assembly. Their potential withdrawal from participation in the government could add to the political pressure surrounding efforts to resolve the crisis.

The SoO agreement is a tripartite arrangement involving the Centre, the Manipur government and several Kuki and Zomi militant groups. The council’s warning to reconsider cooperation under the arrangement signals the possibility of further strain in an already fragile political and security situation.

The latest statement comes more than three years after the outbreak of ethnic violence, with security concerns, displacement and competing demands over Manipur’s political future continuing to pose major challenges to a lasting settlement.