The stand was reiterated during a key Guwahati conclave involving Kuki-Zo MLAs, civil society groups and SoO armed organisations, ahead of the possible end of President’s Rule in Manipur.
BY PC Bureau
January 15, 2026: A majority of the ten Kuki-Zo Members of the Manipur Legislative Assembly (MLAs) have reaffirmed their commitment to the community’s long-standing demand for a separate Union Territory with legislature, ruling ouyt joining or extending support to any elected government in Imphal following the revocation of President’s Rule, sources said.
According to sources familiar with the outcome of an ongoing conclave convened in Guwahati by the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and the United People’s Front (UPF)—umbrella bodies of Suspension of Operations (SoO) groups—five Kuki-Zo MLAs were physically present at the deliberations. They are:
- Haokholet Kipgen (Saitu)
- Letzamang Haokip (Henglep)
- Chinlunthang Manlun (Singhat)
- Paolienlal Haokip (Saikot)
- Nemcha Kipgen (Kangpokpi)
In addition, Kimneo Haokip Hangshing, the woman MLA from Saikul, was represented by her husband David Hangshing, while ailing MLA Letpao Haokip conveyed his position separately, reaffirming his loyalty to the Union Territory (UT) demand and declining to join any Manipur government under the present circumstances.
These seven MLAs are firm that participation in the Manipur government would be acceptable only if the Centre or the state provides a written, time-bound commitment to consider their demand for a Union Territory.
Three MLAs Likely to Break Ranks
Sources said three Kuki-Zo MLAs are likely to break ranks and extend support to a Meitei-led government in Imphal. They are:
- LM Khaute (Churachandpur)
- Vungzagin Valte (Thanlon)
- Ngursanglur Sanate (Tipaimukh)
These MLAs are believed to have remained in sustained contact with Meitei political leadership and may accept ministerial berths or other offices of profit in return for supporting government formation, sources alleged.
Of the ten Kuki-Zo MLAs, seven belong to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), two are from the Kuki People’s Alliance (KPA), and one is an Independent.
President’s Rule Nears End
With President’s Rule scheduled to end on February 13, the Centre is expected to explore options to revive an elected government in Manipur within weeks. Political observers say New Delhi may seek to involve a section of Kuki-Zo MLAs to project a narrative of reconciliation and narrowing ethnic divisions following nearly two years of violence.
However, most Kuki-Zo civil society organisations (CSOs) and armed groups, including the United Kuki National Army, have explicitly warned MLAs against joining the Manipur government, cautioning that any perceived betrayal of the community’s mandate could trigger renewed tensions and unrest.
Guwahati Meet Consolidates Kuki-Zo Stand on Union Territory Demand https://t.co/oxOsZ4n0AE #KukiZo#UnionTerritoryDemand #ManipurCrisis#SoOGroups #PoliticalSettlement #GuwahatiMeeting
— POWER CORRIDORS (@power_corridors) January 13, 2026
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Resolutions from the Guwahati Meeting
The Guwahati meeting, attended by representatives of the KNO, UPF, Kuki-Zo Council, and community leaders, reviewed the prevailing political and security situation and adopted five key resolutions outlining strict preconditions for political engagement with the state.
In its preamble, the joint body recalled the formal political demand submitted in September 2023, the prolonged ethnic violence since May 2023, and what it described as targeted attacks, systemic failures, and mass displacement of the Kuki-Zo population.
The meeting also cited an “unprecedented de facto demographic and administrative separation” that has persisted for over 32 months, arguing that coexistence under the current political framework has become untenable.
The resolutions adopted include:
- Political Settlement:
The Centre must urgently expedite negotiations to grant a Union Territory with Legislature, including constitutional safeguards for land and identity. - Time-bound Agreement:
Any political settlement must be finalised and signed before the expiry of the current Manipur Assembly’s tenure. - Precondition for Government Formation:
Re-installation of an elected government must be preceded by a written, time-bound commitment from both the Centre and the State supporting the UT demand. - Non-Participation Clause:
In the absence of such a commitment, Kuki-Zo representatives will refrain from participating in government formation, in deference to popular will. - Final Deadline:
A definitive political solution must be achieved before the 2027 General Elections.
The ongoing Guwahati conclave, now in its third day on January 16, is being widely seen as a decisive consolidation of the Kuki-Zo political position, sending a clear signal to New Delhi ahead of critical decisions on Manipur’s political future and the possible lifting of President’s Rule.
