The primary representative organisation of the Kuki community, Kuki Inpi Manipur, has called upon all Kuki-Zo legislators to boycott the upcoming proceedings of the state legislative assembly. Scheduled to begin on September 2, the six-day session will conclude on September 7, with three legislative sittings planned across this period.
Directive Issued to Kuki-Zo Lawmakers
In an official statement, Kuki Inpi Manipur explicitly instructed Kuki-Zo representatives to refrain from traveling to Imphal to attend the eighth session of the Manipur Legislative Assembly. The organisation added a clear warning within its directive, stating that any legislator who decides to disregard this mandate may be viewed as operating contrary to the collective political stance adopted by the community.
Demand for Separate Administration and Rationale for Boycott
The apex body used the opportunity to reaffirm its long-standing demand for a separate political administration tailored for the Kuki-Zo community. It stated that standard legislative work ought not to carry on as usual while the political situation in Manipur remains deeply unresolved. Furthermore, the organisation emphasized that the physical presence of Kuki-Zo representatives in Imphal could create an artificial perception of normalcy across the state, which in turn could dilute the momentum required for achieving a comprehensive political settlement. The group asked all elected officials to demonstrate political maturity and remain in full alignment with the community's aspirations.
Assembly Breakdown and Compliance Uncertainty
The Manipur Legislative Assembly comprises 60 total seats, out of which nine members belong to the Kuki-Zo community. This legislative contingent includes Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen along with six other MLAs affiliated with the Bharatiya Janata Party. While the apex body's instructions represent its formal position, it is currently unclear whether all nine Kuki-Zo lawmakers will abide by the boycott call or participate in the assembly sittings.
