With Manipur set to complete one year under President’s Rule next month, and discussions underway on the possibility of forming a popular government, Kuki-Zo groups are weighing their position on whether MLAs from the community should take part in such a dispensation.
One of the 10 Kuki-Zo MLAs in the 60-member Manipur Assembly said the issue is still under discussion and that a crucial meeting is expected next week. Speaking toThe Indian Express, the MLA said clarity would emerge after consultations between Kuki-Zo legislators and the Suspension of Operations (SoO) groups — insurgent outfits currently engaged in talks with the government. The deliberations centre on whether Kuki-Zo MLAs, who have been demanding a separate Union Territory and had earlier refused to engage with the Biren Singh-led government before President’s Rule was imposed, would agree to be part of a new elected government.
Ahead of the meeting, the Churachandpur-based Kuki Zo Council (KZC) issued a statement recalling a resolution adopted by its governing council on December 30. The resolution reiterated the group’s demand for a separate administrative arrangement in the form of a Union Territory, citing what it described as the prevailing sentiment that the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities can no longer coexist politically. It also stated that the Kuki-Zo people would not participate in the formation of a Manipur government.
The council further clarified that it would not take responsibility for any individual decision to the contrary, stating that any MLA choosing to join a government would do so in a personal capacity.
KZC chairman Henlianthang Thanglet said there were concerns that some MLAs might still consider joining a popular government despite strong public opposition. He said sentiment across Kuki-Zo districts was firmly against such a move and acknowledged growing pressure from the community. While the final call would be taken after discussions with Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and United People’s Front (UPF) leaders next week, Thanglet cautioned that if MLAs went against public sentiment, the council might not be able to contain public anger.
Meanwhile, on December 14, the BJP leadership convened a key meeting with Manipur MLAs, bringing together legislators from both Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities — a step party leaders see as essential before any move towards government formation. Four of the seven Kuki-Zo BJP MLAs are understood to have attended the meeting. At the same time, pressure continues from Meitei and Naga NDA legislators to end President’s Rule and restore an elected government in the state.
