Kuki Groups Demand Union Territory Commitment Before Joining Manipur Government
Kuki Militant Groups Seek Political Assurance
On Tuesday, Kuki militant factions and local MLAs reached a consensus to engage in the formation of a new government in Manipur only if they receive a political assurance for establishing a Union Territory in areas predominantly inhabited by the Kuki-Zo community.
The assembly, convened in Guwahati, Assam, resulted in several resolutions, emphasizing that a political agreement must be finalized and signed prior to the current Assembly's term ending in March 2027.
Since February 2025, Manipur has been under President's Rule following the resignation of Bharatiya Janata Party leader N Biren Singh as chief minister.
Since the onset of ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo-Hmar communities in May 2023, over 260 lives have been lost, and more than 59,000 individuals have been displaced, with sporadic violence continuing into 2024 and 2025.
Singh's resignation came amid accusations from Kuki-Zomi-Hmar groups that his handling of the unrest was biased and exacerbated majoritarian sentiments.
While the Meitei community is predominant in the valley, the Kukis hold the majority in the hill districts of the state.
The meeting included representatives from Kuki militant groups that are part of the Suspension of Operation agreement, along with MLAs from the Kuki community and the Kuki-Zo Council, which represents Kuki tribes.
This gathering preceded an upcoming meeting between the Suspension of Operation agreement parties and officials from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
The Suspension of Operations agreement, established in 2008 between the Centre, the Manipur government, and two Kuki militant coalitions—the Kuki National Organisation and United Peoples Front—was renewed in September.
This pact restricts both security forces and militant groups from conducting operations, requiring the latter to adhere to national laws and remain within designated camps specified by the Union government.
According to the meeting's minutes, the resolutions included a call for the Union government to expedite the political settlement for creating a Union Territory with legislative powers and constitutional safeguards for land ownership.
The participants asserted that without a written commitment, they would respect the people's political will by abstaining from participating in the formation of a government in Manipur.
The minutes concluded with a resolution stating that a conclusive political solution for the Kuki-Zo community must be reached before the 2027 state elections.
This meeting followed a recent gathering in Delhi involving BJP MLAs from Manipur, which sparked speculation regarding the potential formation of a new government.
Four out of seven Kuki-Zo MLAs from the BJP attended the meeting.
While Meitei MLAs are advocating for the end of President's Rule and the establishment of a new government, Kuki-Zo groups have insisted that the creation of a separate administrative arrangement in the form of a Union Territory is essential for resolving the ongoing conflict.
On January 6, the Kuki-Zo Council reiterated that its members would not participate in the formation of a new state government, reaffirming their demand for a Union Territory.