Representatives of Suspension of Operations (SoO) groups, the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), and Kuki-Zo Members of the Legislative Assembly held a joint meeting in Guwahati on Monday, reiterating their demand for a separate Union Territory with Legislature for the Kuki-Zo people and setting clear political conditions for any future government formation in Manipur.
The meeting began with a review of the prevailing political and security situation in the region, referencing the formal political demand submitted in September 2023. Participants recalled the prolonged ethnic violence faced by the Kuki-Zo community over the past year, alleged targeted attacks, and what they described as a de facto demographic and administrative separation that has persisted for nearly 32 months.
Following deliberations, the meeting unanimously adopted a series of resolutions.
Demand for Political Settlement
The participants resolved that the Central Government must expedite a political settlement to meet the demand for a Union Territory with Legislature under the Constitution. They stressed that such a settlement must include strong constitutional safeguards for land ownership.
Timeline for Settlement
The meeting resolved that negotiations for the political settlement must be finalised and signed before the expiry of the current Manipur Legislative Assembly’s normal tenure.
Conditions for Government Formation
On the issue of restoring an elected government in Manipur, the body resolved that any new government must provide a written and time-bound commitment supporting the negotiated settlement for a Union Territory with Legislature. The commitment, they said, must be executed within the current Assembly tenure.
Resolution on Non-Participation
The meeting further resolved that in the absence of clear political commitments from both the Central and State governments, the Kuki-Zo representatives would refrain from participating in the formation of an elected government in Manipur, stating that this would respect the political will of their people.
Deadline Linked to 2027 Elections
Setting a final timeline, the meeting resolved that a definitive political solution for the Kuki-Zo people must be achieved before the 2027 General Elections.
The resolutions underscore the continued political deadlock in Manipur and signal a firm stance by Kuki-Zo groups as discussions on governance and long-term political arrangements continue amid prolonged instability in the state.
