In a significant political development, the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and the Zomi Re-unification Organisation (ZRO) have officially resolved to boycott the upcoming visit of Manipur Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh to Churachandpur, scheduled for May 15.
The decision was finalized during a high-level joint meeting held on May 11 at the residence of the ZRO President. In a joint statement, the organizations confirmed that neither group would participate in any programmes associated with the Chief Minister’s visit.
A major outcome of the meeting was the decision to establish a Joint Monitoring Cell (JMC). This cell, overseen by the secretaries of both the KNO and ZRO, is tasked with monitoring social media platforms—including WhatsApp and Facebook—to curb the spread of communal disharmony. The Information and Public Relations departments of both groups will collaborate to manage this new mechanism.
On the political front, both organizations reaffirmed their post-May 3, 2023, stance, reiterating that their primary goal remains the demand for a Union Territory with Legislature. The leadership emphasized that this objective remains unchanged until a collective decision is made otherwise.
The meeting also addressed sensitive internal issues regarding nomenclature. While the term “Kuki-Zo” was noted as unacceptable by ZRO leaders, a compromise was suggested to use the term “Kuki-Zomi” to maintain mutual respect within the movement. Further discussions regarding the formation of a Central Working Committee to coordinate political dialogue are expected in future cabinet meetings.
For now, the united front presented by the KNO and ZRO sends a clear message of non-cooperation regarding the state government’s scheduled outreach in the district this Friday.
