Kuki-Zo MLAs demand UT for peace in Manipur

Guwahati: Tuesday’s meeting in New Delhi, where MLAs representing the Meitei, Kuki-Zo-Hmar and Naga communities of Manipur gathered for the first time since the outbreak of violence in the state last year, has opened up possibilities for accelerating peace talks. However, the Kuki-Zo community’s demand for a Union Territory with a legislature remains a crucial condition for achieving peace.
The meeting unanimously resolved to appeal to the people of Manipur from all communities to abandon violence and prevent further loss of innocent lives, as stated in a home ministry release.
Following the meeting, the Kuki-Zo MLAs clarified that they only met with MHA officials and did not participate in the joint meeting involving the Meitei and Naga MLAs. In a statement, four Kuki-Zo MLAs — Haokholet Kipgen, Letpao Haokip, Ngursanglur Sanate, and Nemcha Kipgen — confirmed that they held a meeting with representatives of the Union government in Delhi under the guidance of Amit Shah.
“In the meeting between the Kuki-Zo MLAs and the Government of India, the Kuki-Zo representatives affirmed that they are representing the voice of the people and will advocate solely for the people. They further assert that a separate administration for the Kuki-Zo community is a prerequisite for any peace dialogue,” read the statement from Chinlunthang, convenor secretary.
Sources indicated that if the Kuki-Zo MLAs need to meet with the Meitei and Naga representatives in the future, they will only do so after consulting the Kuki-Zo CSOs.
Kuki groups such as the Kuki National Organization (KNO) and United People’s Front (UPF), who are under a Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement with the govt, urged Kuki-Zo MLAs to advocate for a separate administration during the meeting in New Delhi.
In a statement, the KNO and UPF expressed their serious consideration of the talks initiated by the Union home minister to promote dialogue among the involved parties. They stressed that although the govt may discuss peace for Manipur, a separate administration in the form of a UT with legislature for the Kuki-Zos is necessary for peace to be restored.
On Tuesday, the Kuki-Zo MLAs also expressed their full confidence in the leadership of the KNO-UPF and confirmed that they have no additional demands beyond those already presented by the KNO-UPF. They called for the resumption of political dialogue with the KNO-UPF leadership as soon as possible. “Additionally, the MLAs reaffirmed their stance and expressed reluctance to participate in any joint meetings with the Meitei and Naga MLAs. They emphasized any such meetings should only occur after thorough deliberation with the public,” read the statement.