Kuki-Zo Tribal Leaders Reaffirm Stance Against Joining Manipur Government
Kuki-Zo MLAs Stand Firm on Government Formation
Imphal, Jan 10: The Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF), a key representative body for tribal groups in Manipur, has reiterated that the ten MLAs from the Kuki-Zo tribal community will not engage in the formation of the state government.
In a joint statement, ITLF Chairman Letpu Haokip and General Secretary Thangsuolien Sinate emphasized that their position remains unchanged, insisting that the Kuki-Zo legislators will refrain from any government formation efforts until their fundamental demands are met.
“Any deviation from this stance will be seen as a betrayal of the collective will and sacrifices made by the Kuki-Zo community. Following the ethnic violence that erupted in Manipur in May 2023, due to the state government's failure to safeguard the Kuki-Zo people, our ten MLAs have called for a separate administration from the Union of India. This position is unwavering,” the tribal leaders stated.
Among the ten legislators representing the Kuki-Zo community, seven are affiliated with the BJP, while the other three belong to smaller local parties.
During a meeting on Friday, the ITLF unanimously supported the Kuki-Zo Council's (KZC) decision that the Kuki-Zo community cannot and will not participate in the formation of the Manipur government under the current conditions.
The joint statement highlighted the severe mistreatment faced by the Kuki-Zo people, who have been subjected to violence, public humiliation, and forced displacement from the Imphal Valley.
It was reported that thousands of homes have been destroyed, places of worship desecrated, and over 40,000 individuals remain internally displaced, having lost their homes, land, and means of livelihood.
“The violent separation and forced displacement of the Kuki-Zo community from Meitei-dominated areas have irreparably damaged trust and coexistence. Under these circumstances, remaining within the current administrative framework of Manipur is not feasible. Therefore, the demand for a separate administration is both a constitutional and political necessity,” the ITLF asserted.
The tribal body has formally requested a Union Territory with legislative powers from the Indian government.
“Having sought this political resolution, it makes no sense to join the Manipur government,” the organization stated.
In a related development, the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) announced earlier this week that it would not take part in the formation of the state government under any circumstances.
KZC Chairman Henlianthang Thanglet and General Secretary Thangzamang, in a joint statement, noted that the council conducted a thorough assessment of the current political, social, and security conditions in Manipur.
After extensive discussions reflecting the collective sentiment of the Kuki-Zo people, the governing council unanimously passed a resolution.
The KZC warned that any individual who chooses to participate in the formation of the Manipur government does so at their own risk, and the council will not be held responsible.
However, the Central government, along with the BJP and various Meitei groups, has repeatedly dismissed the KZC and ITLF's demands for a separate administration, such as a Union Territory with legislative powers.