What Happened in the Kuki-Zo Council's Meeting with MHA?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Constructive dialogue between MHA and KZC highlights collaborative efforts.
- Importance of public consultation emphasized by the KZC.
- Ongoing ethnic tensions necessitate ongoing communication.
- Kuki-Zo organizations demand a separate administration.
- Meeting aims to foster understanding and cooperation.
Delhi/Imphal, Aug 6 (NationPress) A significant discussion took place between the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) in New Delhi on Wednesday, regarding the circumstances in Manipur, as reported by a Kuki-Zo leader from Imphal.
KZC spokesperson Ginza Vualzong described the meeting as constructive and positive, highlighting that the two-hour dialogue concentrated on essential matters related to the ongoing movement and the aspirations of the Kuki-Zo community in Manipur.
During the talks, the KZC stressed the importance of enhanced public consultation prior to making any final decisions.
“The MHA officials acknowledged our concerns and expressed their readiness to engage further with KZC leadership. Both parties agreed to keep the dialogue ongoing in the near future,” stated Vualzong.
The eight-member KZC delegation was headed by its Chairman Henlianthang Thanglet.
Notable leaders from various tribes within the Kuki-Zo community also took part in the discussions.
In efforts to resolve the prolonged ethnic tensions exceeding two years between the Kuki-Zo tribes and the Meitei community, MHA officials and representatives from both communities held several separate meetings in New Delhi earlier this year.
The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), the apex Meitei organization All Manipur United Clubs Organisation (AMUCO), and the Federation of Civil Society Organisations (FOCS) participated in the tripartite meeting representing the Meitei community.
KZC Chairman Henlianthang Thanglet led his delegation on behalf of the Kuki-Zo-Hmar communities in prior meetings, attended by MHA advisor for the northeast region A.K. Mishra, Joint Director Rajesh Kamble, and senior officials from the Manipur government.
Numerous Kuki-Zo organizations, along with ten tribal groups, have been advocating for a distinct administration akin to a Union Territory with a legislative assembly for the Kuki-Zo tribes.
However, this demand for separate administration has been consistently declined by both the Manipur and Union governments, alongside all Meitei organizations.