The Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) has unanimously supported the Kuki-Zo Council’s decision against participating in the Manipur Government, citing ongoing violence, displacement, and lost trust between communities. The ITLF reports that the Kuki-Zo people face severe human rights abuses, including killings, forced displacements, and property destruction, leading to over 40,000 internally displaced individuals. The forum emphasizes that the violent separation from Meitei areas has irreparably broken coexistence, making participation in the current administrative framework impractical. They argue that the demand for a Separate Administration has become a constitutional and political necessity, formally requesting a Union Territory with a legislature from the Government of India. The ITLF reiterates its stance, stating that Kuki-Zo MLAs will not join the Manipur Government and warns that any deviation from this consensus would be seen as a betrayal of the Kuki-Zo people’s sacrifices. This statement was co-signed by ITLF Chairman Letpu Haokip and General Secretary Elder Dr. Thangsuolien Sinate.
Kuki-Zo MLAs to stay out of Manipur government, ITLF endorses Council decision
