With the possible end of President’s Rule in Manipur drawing closer, a clear political divide has emerged among Kuki-Zo legislators, with a majority unwilling to support any government formation in Imphal without a firm and written assurance on their demand for a separate Union Territory with legislature.
Sources said the position was reiterated during a recent closed-door meeting held in Guwahati, attended by Kuki-Zo MLAs, civil society representatives and leaders linked to armed groups under the Suspension of Operations arrangement. The meeting reviewed the current political and security situation in Manipur, which has remained under President’s Rule for several months.
Out of the ten Kuki-Zo MLAs in the Manipur Assembly, seven are said to be firmly opposed to joining or supporting any new government unless the Centre or the state government gives a written and time-bound commitment to consider the Union Territory demand. Five MLAs attended the meeting in person, while two others conveyed their stand through representatives or separate communication, according to sources familiar with the discussions.
The meeting was convened by the Kuki National Organisation and the United People’s Front, along with participation from community bodies and elders. Participants reportedly agreed that any political engagement with the Manipur government must be linked to a clear roadmap for a political settlement.
Sources, however, indicated that three Kuki-Zo MLAs may choose a different path and extend support to a Meitei-led government in Imphal. These MLAs are believed to be in contact with leaders from the ruling establishment and may back government formation if offered positions. This development has caused concern among Kuki-Zo civil society groups, who have warned against moves that could be seen as going against community consensus.
The Guwahati meeting also adopted a set of resolutions recalling the ethnic violence that began in May 2023, the prolonged displacement of people, and what participants described as a breakdown of trust between communities. The meeting noted that administrative and social separation has continued for over two years, making normal political functioning difficult.
