Elected representatives of the Kuki-Zo community could be withdrawn from their participation in the Manipur government if decisive steps are not initiated to ensure public safety and deliver a viable political settlement, the Kuki-Zo Council announced. The council also indicated that it might urge Kuki-Zo armed groups to re-evaluate their ongoing cooperation with administrative authorities. The community currently holds 10 seats in the 60-member Manipur Legislative Assembly.
Displacement Figures and Accusations of Selective Justice
In a statement released on Wednesday, the council highlighted that more than 250 Kuki-Zo individuals have lost their lives since ethnic clashes erupted across the state on May 3, 2023. The prolonged unrest has also forced over 40,000 residents out of their homes into displacement. Criticising the authorities, the council alleged an active policy of selective justice, pointing out that prompt official action is routinely taken whenever Meitei or Naga civilians are affected, whereas comparable urgency remains noticeably absent in incidents involving fatalities among Kuki-Zo people.
Territorial Demand and Prospects of Political Withdrawal
Reaffirming its persistent stance on administrative separation, the council underlined that the Kuki-Zo population seeks the creation of a Union Territory equipped with its own legislature. The organisation stressed that failing to address fundamental safety concerns, establish genuine accountability, or pursue a meaningful resolution would compel it to enforce stronger political countermeasures.
Reconsidering the Suspension of Operations Framework
Among the potential steps outlined is an explicit call for the 10 community legislators to pull out of the state governance structure. Furthermore, the council warned it may advise militant groups operating under the Suspension of Operations pact to reconsider their engagement with the state. The tripartite pact involves the Central government, the Manipur state administration, and multiple Kuki and Zomi insurgent outfits to maintain an operational truce in the region.
