The Kuki-Zo Council, the apex representative body of the Kuki-Zo tribal community in Manipur, has formally appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene in the state's protracted ethnic crisis and deliver protection, security, and a lasting political settlement for the community. The memorandum, submitted on 18 May, reiterates an eight-point charter of demands that includes the creation of a separate administrative arrangement or Union Territory for the Kuki-Zo people.

Key Demands in the Memorandum

Kuki-Zo Council Chairman Henlianthang Thanglet and General Secretary Thangzamang jointly signed the memorandum, which was also submitted to Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The document argues that the ongoing conflict has 'deeply fractured' relations among the Meitei, Naga, and Kuki-Zo communities, and that peaceful coexistence under the present administrative structure has become 'increasingly difficult.'

Beyond the demand for a separate Union Territory with a legislature, the council sought the introduction of helicopter services to Kuki-Zo-inhabited areas, uninterrupted supply of essential commodities, deployment of adequate security forces along sensitive inter-district boundaries, and the relocation of examination centres for Kuki-Zo students to safer locations.

The Case for a Separate Administration

The memorandum stated that the Kuki-Zo community faces 'existential threats from multiple sides' and that separation from the current administrative structure has become 'an unavoidable necessity' for its survival and security. According to the document, a formal demand for a Union Territory with a legislature has already been submitted, and discussions are reportedly underway between outfits operating under the Suspension of Operations agreement and the Ministry of Home Affairs.

'The Kuki-Zo people firmly believe that a lasting and peaceful solution to the Manipur crisis lies in the creation of separate administrative arrangements for the three major communities — the Meitei, the Naga, and the Kuki-Zo,' the memorandum stated.

Kuki Students' Organisation Raises Fresh Demands

In a separate memorandum to the Prime Minister, the Kuki Students' Organisation demanded the immediate release of 14 abducted Kuki-Zo villagers and called for the abrogation of the ceasefire agreement with the NSCN-IM. The organisation also sought a National Investigation Agency (NIA) or Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the killing of three church leaders in Kangpokpi district on 13 May, and demanded rehabilitation, compensation, and long-term security guarantees for all victims of the ethnic violence.

Hostage Crisis and Partial Releases

The situation in Manipur remained volatile following the killing of the three Baptist church leaders and the injuring of four others in Kangpokpi district on 13 May. According to a police official, more than 40 people from the Kuki and Naga communities were subsequently held hostage by various groups in Kangpokpi and Senapati districts.

Of those, 30 hostages from both communities were released on 14 and 15 May following sustained efforts by authorities, community leaders, and civil society organisations. The World Baptist Alliance, Asia Pacific Baptist Federation, Council for Baptist Churches in North East India, and the Manipur Baptist Convention have separately appealed to the United Naga Council and Kuki Inpi Manipur to ensure the safe release of all remaining hostages.

What Comes Next

The Manipur ethnic conflict, which has claimed hundreds of lives and displaced tens of thousands since it erupted in May 2023, shows no sign of resolution under the current administrative framework. With formal talks reportedly ongoing between armed outfits and the Ministry of Home Affairs, the response — or silence — from the Centre to this latest memorandum will be closely watched by all three communities.