BY PC Bureau
September 3, 2025: The United Kuki National Army (UKNA), an armed group operating under the banner of the self-styled “Government of Kuki-Gam,” has issued a stern warning to the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), the apex civil body of the community, not to extend blanket support to any proposal on “free movement” along national highways or “cessation of hostilities” during its ongoing talks with the Centre.
Sources said UKNA leaders conveyed their message to KZC representatives before they left for Delhi on Tuesday, cautioning them against taking steps that could be interpreted as “normalising” the situation in strife-torn Manipur without the Centre first considering the community’s core political demand — carving out a separate Union Territory for the Kuki-Zo people.
While well-placed sources confirmed this development to The Power Corridors , KZC spokespersons Ginza Vualzong denied any such communication with UKNA. “ I’m not aware of any such engagements. We strongly deny it,” he said.
Incidentally, in a statement dated August 23, signed by the group’s so-called Department of Home Affairs, UKNA threatened “capital punishment” against any Kuki-Zo legislator who sides with the “Meitei-led government” or obstructs the separate administration demand. “Any MLA who betrays the cause will face capital punishment,” the outfit declared.
READ: Kuki-Zo Forum Backs PUCL’s Manipur Report, Slams Critics
The group also warned civil society organisations and political parties against “playing politics” with the demand, saying those who mislead the public or weaken the unity of the Kuki-Zo people would face “serious consequences.”
Formed in 2015, UKNA claims to champion the identity and rights of the Kuki-Zo people. Unlike the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and United People’s Front (UPF), which are engaged in peace talks under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) framework, UKNA has stayed outside formal negotiations. Over the years, it has been accused of extortion, targeted killings, and issuing diktats in Kuki-Zo dominated areas, particularly Churachandpur district.
With ethnic tensions still simmering after two years of conflict, observers fear the outfit’s threats against elected representatives could deepen insecurity in the hill districts and weaken democratic functioning.
Centre’s Proposals Under Scrutiny
Meanwhile, sources said the Centre is keen for the KZC to endorse “free movement” along highways crossing buffer zones, which would allow Meiteis to travel into hill areas with impunity. However, KZC leaders reportedly told the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) that while the community has never obstructed commercial vehicles, it cannot be held responsible for the safety of individuals crossing buffer zones. Officials are said to be considering dropping the phrase “free movement” from the draft agreement, though the government may attempt to implement the measure on the ground.
READ: MHA, Kuki-Zo Groups to Hold Crucial Talks Ahead of PM Modi’s Manipur Visit
On the Centre’s proposal for a “cessation of hostilities,” KZC is understood to have objected to the terminology, calling it misleading. “The Kuki-Zo community never initiated hostilities,” one source said, suggesting the arrangement be rephrased before finalisation.
These issues are expected to be taken up today in the KZC delegation’s pre-lunch session with MHA officials, followed by talks between the MHA and Kuki-Zo armed groups currently under SoO agreements.
With the UKNA attempting to derail the process, KZC now faces the challenge of balancing militant threats with the need to take pragmatic steps to create a conducive atmosphere for the eventual launch of political dialogue.
