UKNA has also warned Civil society groups and political parties against “playing politics” with the movement, with UKNA warning of “serious consequences.”
BY PC Bureau
Imphal, August 23, 2025 — The United Kuki National Army (UKNA), an insurgent group operating under the banner of the “Government of Kuki-Gam,” has warned Kuki-Zo MLAs against engaging with any the “Meitei-led” state administration in Manipur or opposing the demand for a separate administration.
In a statement , dated August 23 and signed by the Department of Home Affairs, UKNA, threatened “capital punishment” against anyone collaborating with the state government or undermining the Kuki-Zo cause. “Any Kuki-Zo MLA who sides with the Meitei-led government or obstructs the demand for a Separate Administration will face capital punishment,” the statement said.
The UKNA further cautioned civil society organisations (CSOs) and political parties, warning them against “playing politics” with the demand for separate administration. “Those who indulge in political games at the cost of the Kuki-Zo cause will face serious consequences,” the release read.
The outfit also warned that no individual or group should attempt to dilute or weaken the movement, else strict action will follow. “ Those who try to disturb the movement, mislead the public, or weaken the unity of the Kuki-Zo people will be strictly dealt with. Even spreading false information or creating division will not be tolerated,” it read..
The UKNA’s latest diktat has baffled observers of Kuki-Zo politics, especially since there are no evidence to suggest that any well-known Kuki-zo groups is siding with either the state administration or the Centre. Analysts believe the threat is less about mainstream politics and more about insurgent groups reasserting their authority in the hills. “This looks like an attempt by the UKNA to establish influence in a vacuum, as most other insurgent groups remain bound by Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreements with the Centre,” a security official noted.
This is not the first time the UKNA has made headlines. Barely two months ago, the outfit was blamed for gunning down four people in Churachandpur, an incident that triggered widespread condemnation across Manipur.
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Background of UKNA
Formed in 2015, the UKNA claims to fight for the rights and identity of the Kuki-Zo people under its self-styled “Government of Kuki-Gam.” Unlike the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and the United People’s Front (UPF) — most of which are under the SoO framework — the UKNA has stayed outside peace talks. Over the years, it has been accused of extortion, targeted killings, and issuing diktats in Kuki-Zo dominated districts.
With ethnic tensions in Manipur still simmering after two years of violence, the UKNA’s latest threat targeting elected representatives has raised alarm. Observers fear the warning could deepen insecurity in the hill areas and further weaken democratic functioning.
As one analyst put it: “This is less about MLAs and more about showing that the UKNA, not mainstream politics, sets the terms in Kuki-Zo areas.”
