Advocates from the Kuki-Zo community called for the establishment of a Union Territory with a legislature, citing constitutional provisions and recent state reorganizations as precedents.
BY PC Bureau
New Delhi, May 31: Kuki groups advocated on Saturday for the continuation of buffer zones in Manipur as a necessary “protective measure.” This stance would remain, they stated, until a comprehensive political resolution is reached, such as the establishment of a Union territory with its own legislature.
At a press conference held in the capital, Chong Haokip, co-convener of the Kuki Zo Women Forum, reiterated the demand for the creation of a Union territory with legislative powers within Manipur. “This is not against any community,” Haokip asserted, “but a step essential to guarantee the safety and right to existence of the Kuki people.” She emphasized that this demand should be viewed as a requirement for security and peace, rather than through a political lens.
Haokip alleged, “Kuki-Zo tribals have been driven out of Imphal and killed barbarically. We were treated as enemies, targeted for our identity, and the security forces did not intervene promptly. The government had the capacity to save us, but they failed to act.”
READ:Â Umbrellas Against Injustice: Kuki-Zo Women Defy Rain in Statewide Sit-In Protest Across Manipur
“Those who had resided in Imphal for many years were displaced. The faith of the Kuki Zo people has been severely shaken. Despite the presence of police, our people were being killed,” she claimed.
C Thangminlal Doungel, the interim president of the Kuki Students’ Organisation Delhi & NCR, stressed that buffer zones were a crucial measure implemented to stop violence and restore order.
“Unless a political solution is identified, the buffer zones must be maintained. The current situation requires this continuation because lasting peace has not yet been established,” Doungel stated.
The Kuki representatives further argued that their demand aligns with the principles of the Indian Constitution.
“Numerous states have undergone reorganization; recently, Jammu and Kashmir was reorganized into two Union territories. Therefore, the emphasis solely on Manipur’s integrity is questionable. The Constitution recognizes the integrity of the nation, not necessarily that of individual states,” explained advocate Vishwajeet Singh.
Haokip stated that they have been compelled to seek a separate administration due to the “discrimination and violence” they have endured.
READ: Kuki Women Protest ‘Witch-Hunt’, Ethnic Cleansing
She also recounted instances of violence against Kuki women, specifically mentioning the incident where two women were paraded naked. “Kuki women were paraded naked, and the police took no action,” she alleged.
In a statement, the KSO Delhi & NCR also urged the government to “fence the buffer zones.”
“The buffer zones must remain intact and enforced until a comprehensive political solution, such as a Union territory with a legislature for the Kuki-Zo people, is achieved. If the majoritarian government is so insistent on border fencing, it must also fence the buffer zones, as this will serve as a permanent deterrent to the fragile peace in Manipur,” the KSO asserted.
The organization further proposed that the Governor of Manipur should also serve as the Lieutenant Governor of the newly formed Union territory for the Kukis to ensure lasting peace in the region.
Since May 2023, over 260 individuals have lost their lives, and thousands have been displaced due to the ethnic conflict between the Meiteis, who predominantly reside in the Imphal Valley, and the Kuki-Zo groups, who constitute the majority in the hill areas.
The central government imposed President’s rule in Manipur on February 13, following the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh. The state assembly, with a term until 2027, is currently under suspended animation.
