Tribal leaders from the Kuki-Zo community have intensified their push for a separate administration, holding crucial talks on May 12. The gathering involved key organizations such as the KNO, UPF, and civil society representatives, and echoed the key demand for establishment of a separate administration under Article 239-A of the Indian Constitution.
BY PC Bureau
In a significant political development, tribal leaders in Manipur have launched a renewed internal consultation process to chart a future course for the Kuki-Zo people and press for their long-standing demand for a separate Union Territory.
As part of this initiative, the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) hosted a high-level Leaders’ Consultation and Interaction Program in Kangpokpi on May 12. The meeting brought together major Kuki-Zo stakeholders, including representatives from the United People’s Front (UPF), Kuki National Organisation (KNO), and several civil society organisations (CSOs).
Held under the theme “Deliberate on the Status of Political Negotiations and Way Forward for Separate Administration, Key Social Concerns and Cohesion, Inclusive Strategies for Kuki-Zo (Way-Forward)”, the gathering served as a platform for deep discussion and consensus-building.
The meeting deliberated to foster greater unity within the Kuki-Zo community and prepare a coordinated response on issues central to their political aspirations. Attendees included village chiefs, leaders from Kuki Inpi, student unions, women’s groups, youth organisations, and other key tribal bodies.
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Among the top agenda items were:
- The stalled political negotiations with the Centre;
- The push for a Separate Administration for the Kuki-Zo people modeled on Article 239-A of the Constitution;
- The rehabilitation and resettlement of villages destroyed during the ethnic violence;
- Community cohesion and awareness to counter misinformation.
The two key groups currently in Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreements with the Centre—Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and United People’s Front (UPF)—briefed CSO representatives on the latest developments in the ongoing negotiations.
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Following a keynote address by CoTU Chairman Thanglen Kipgen, Dr. Seilen Haokip (KNO Spokesperson) and Aaron Kipgen (UPF Spokesperson) addressed the gathering. They outlined the current status of talks with the Government of India and emphasized the need for broader consultations involving elected representatives.
“We discussed how to take forward our negotiations with the Centre to realize our goal of a separate administration,” said Dr. Seilen Haokip. “We also shared updates with civil society leaders and agreed to hold wider consultations involving elected representatives to formulate our official response.”
Participants also emphasized the urgency of rebuilding destroyed villages and accelerating the political process to address long-term concerns of the Kuki-Zo people.
Other prominent voices at the meeting included: Thangminlen Kipgen, President, Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills; Hejang Misao, social activist; Paojakhup Guite, President, KSO Delhi; Mangboi Haokip, President, Kuki National Assembly (KNA).
Several intellectuals, student leaders, and tribal organisation representatives also shared their insights on the path ahead.
“This is a wider consultation because we’ve realized the need to build greater awareness among our people,” added Dr. Haokip. “We must educate our community about our struggle and our objectives so they are not misled by propaganda.”
He further stated that once the current round of inter-community talks brokered by the Ministry of Home Affairs concludes, it will be crucial for the Centre to initiate formal talks with the SoO groups.
“We are preparing our proposals for the next inter-community dialogue to ensure a smooth process,” he said.
It is understood that the second round of inter-community talks between the Kuki-Zo Council and the Forum for Collective Struggle (FOCS) representing the Meitei community—originally proposed for April 25—was postponed due to Indo-Pak tensions. The first round of talks took place in Delhi on April 5, 2025, but remained inconclusive. The next round is expected to be rescheduled soon.
The interaction highlighted the importance of mutual understanding, strategic unity, and collective action. It served as a reminder of the two years of unrest that have engulfed Manipur and the continued aspirations of its tribal communities for justice.security, and political autonomy.
