With the removal of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh’s administration, Kuki-Zo leaders express cautious optimism. While they hope for restored law and order, concerns linger over whether this move will lead to meaningful political dialogue or merely delay a permanent solution.
BY PC Bureau
The imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur has generated a wave of reactions from the Kuki-Zo community, reflecting a mix of hope, skepticism, and continued demands for self-determination. For months, the community has been at the center of an ethnic conflict that has resulted in loss of lives, mass displacement, and the destruction of villages.
With the removal of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh’s administration, many Kuki-Zo leaders and activists believe this could be an opportunity to address their grievances. However, concerns persist that this may only be a temporary measure without leading to a lasting resolution.
The imposition of #PresidentRule in #Manipur is warmly welcomed by the Kuki- Zo community.
The cry for PR from the Kuki-Zo community began during the initial days of the Meitei State Sponsored Ethnic Cleansing campaign on the Kuki-Zo tribals.
The Kuki-Zo community, although… https://t.co/OWcJdBmALU pic.twitter.com/NysZKrbpXv
— unclemeo II (@singsidebunks) February 13, 2025
Hopes from President’s Rule
- Restoration of Law and Order
The immediate expectation from President’s Rule is the establishment of law and order, which many Kuki-Zo leaders feel was neglected under the previous state government. Since May 2023, the ethnic conflict has resulted in over 260 deaths, more than 60,000 people displaced, and the burning down of over 200 villages, primarily affecting the Kuki-Zo community.
Ravinder Kapur, a strong backer of the Kuki community’s demand, calls for the prosecution of Biren Singh to send the right message to the people.
The Kuki Zo tribals had protested, knocked as many doors as possible to impose the President’s Rule in the state from the very initial stage of Manipur Violence. However, it fell on deaf ears and blind eyes for over 21 months condoning the state complicity in the conflict @meipat https://t.co/7FVC7Oraru
— KukiZoWF (@KukiZoWF) February 13, 2025
@Ravinderkapur2: “The resignation of Biren Singh isn’t enough. This man should be investigated and prosecuted for ETHNIC CLEANSING of the Kuki community, for spreading terror, and for the mass killing of Kuki civilians in Manipur. Justice must be served without delay for the sake of peace and harmony. He should also disclose under whose instructions he was carrying out these heinous crimes.”
ALSO READ: The Truth Behind Imposition of President rule in Manipur
The anger against Biren Singh is universal in the Kuki community, and they seek justice for those who suffered under his administration. Echoing this sentiment, Rebecca Thiek writes:
@rebeccahmar_: “Your obsession with ‘illegal, poppy, narco’ as an excuse for all the mayhem has certainly led to your downfall. The horrendous murders of many innocent lives under your administration will never be forgotten in Manipur’s history.”
Many Kuki-Zo community members have also questioned the delay in imposing President’s Rule:
- @LamkaResurgence: “Why did it take so long? The suffering of our people could have been reduced if President’s Rule had been imposed earlier.”
- @songthavul: “The attacks on Kuki tribes should never have been allowed to escalate this far. President’s Rule is necessary to curb this crisis.”
- A Step Toward Political Dialogue
For many, President’s Rule represents an opportunity for the Central Government to take direct control and facilitate meaningful dialogue regarding the Kuki-Zo demand for a separate administration.
- @HenryHaoki50989 reported that the Kuki-Zo council recently met with the Ministry of Home Affairs, where discussions centered on a ceasefire and the long-standing demand for self-governance.
- @RLMisao highlighted that ten Kuki-Zo MLAs have consistently pushed for a formal political resolution, urging the Central Government to engage in discussions beyond just security measures.
- Support from Kuki Organizations
Several prominent Kuki organizations have also reacted positively to the imposition of President’s Rule:
- Kuki Women’s Organization (@KukiWomenOrg): “The imposition of President’s Rule is a necessary step towards ensuring the safety and rights of the Kuki-Zo community.”
- Kuki Students’ Union (@KukiStudents): “We urge the central government to ensure that President’s Rule leads to meaningful dialogue and lasting peace in Manipur.”
- Kuki Youth Network (@KukiYouthNet): “The youth of the Kuki-Zo community stand united in support of President’s Rule as a pathway to justice and equality.”
Fears and Skepticism
- A Temporary Solution Without Long-Term Change
Despite the optimism surrounding President’s Rule, many Kuki-Zo leaders fear that it could be just a temporary measure without real structural change.
- @DynastyDoungel: “It is not just about removing a CM. Our demand is for a separate administration that ensures peace and security for our people.”
- @makesyoucakes: “History has shown that mere administrative changes do not end our suffering. We need constitutional safeguards for Kuki-Zo autonomy.”
- Continued Discrimination and Violence
A significant concern is that, despite the imposition of President’s Rule, violence against the Kuki-Zo community may continue in new or more covert ways.
- @HennaryL pointed out that Manipur’s deeply rooted ethnic tensions cannot be solved overnight, warning that President’s Rule could still leave them vulnerable to attacks if not enforced properly.
- Uncertainty Over Political Future
Many community members worry that once President’s Rule ends, the same political structures that enabled the violence could return. Without concrete steps toward a separate administration, they fear being thrown back into uncertainty and conflict.
- @DynastyDoungel: “If the Center reinstates the same leadership without any safeguards, it will be a return to square one for the Kuki-Zo people.”
Demand for a Separate Union Territory
Kim Haokip, the spokesperson of Delhi Kuki-Inpi, has reiterated the Kuki-Zo community’s demand for a separate Union Territory following the imposition of President’s Rule. Her stance is rooted in the deep distrust and animosity between the Kuki and Meitei communities, which she believes makes coexistence within the current administrative framework untenable.
She hosted a Twitter Space discussion, where multiple Kuki-Zo members echoed the same demand. This reflects a collective belief within the community that self-governance is the only path forward.
Ginza Vualzong, spokesperson for the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF), stated:
“The Kuki-Zo do not trust Meiteis anymore, so a new Meitei chief minister is still far from comforting. President’s Rule will give a ray of hope to the Kuki-Zo, and we believe that it will be one step closer to our political solution.”
Lun Kipgen, spokesperson for the Committee on Tribal Unity, reflected on the timing and implications of President’s Rule:
“After 21 months of unresolved unrest, it is the correct decision and a right step towards restoring normalcy. But it is a little too late. At least PR (President’s Rule) will lay the basic foundation to restore normalcy. We have been asking for PR for a long time.”
The Kuki-Zo community’s reaction to President’s Rule reflects both hope and deep caution. While many welcome the removal of the Biren Singh administration as a step toward justice, they emphasize that real change will only come if their political aspirations for a separate administration are recognized.
Key Demands Moving Forward:
✅ Concrete steps toward a separate administration for the Kuki-Zo people.
✅ Justice for victims of ethnic violence.
✅ Rehabilitation and security for displaced families.
✅ A long-term political resolution that protects Kuki-Zo rights and identity.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether President’s Rule will mark a turning point in Manipur’s conflict or merely serve as a temporary administrative shift. The Kuki-Zo community is watching closely, determined to ensure that their struggles and sacrifices lead to lasting change.
