Will Kuki-Zo MLAs Join the Formation of the New Manipur Government?
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Synopsis
Kuki-Zo tribal organizations in Manipur have declared that their MLAs will abstain from participating in the formation of the new government, citing the protection of their ancestral rights, culture, and identity. This decision embodies their collective political will and reflects ongoing tensions in the region. What does this mean for Manipur’s political landscape?
Key Takeaways
- The Kuki-Zo MLAs have decided not to engage in the formation of the new government.
- This decision is driven by a commitment to protect their cultural and political rights.
- The Kuki-Zo community is advocating for a separate administration with legislative powers.
- Ten Kuki-Zo MLAs have boycotted assembly sessions since May 3, 2023.
- The Central government is taking steps to restore peace in the region.
Imphal, July 5 (NationPress) The Kuki-Zo tribal groups in Manipur declared on Saturday that their MLAs will not engage in the establishment of the new state government.
Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) General Secretary Khaikhohauh Gangte stated that a collective meeting of eight Kuki-Zo tribal organizations and their district representatives took place on Friday, resulting in a decision that no Kuki-Zo MLA will participate in any capacity in forming a new popular government in Manipur.
“We will not, under any circumstances, compromise our ancestral lands, cultural heritage, identity, or our political, social, and economic rights,” the statement emphasized. This resolution reflects the unified political will and aspirations of the Kuki-Zo people and is obligatory for all Kuki-Zo representatives and community organizations.
The KIM General Secretary urged everyone involved to strictly adhere to the resolution from Friday's meeting.
There are ten MLAs from the Kuki-Zo community, who have been boycotting all assembly sessions in Manipur since violence erupted on May 3, 2023.
All Kuki-Zo tribal organizations are advocating for the establishment of a separate administration equivalent to a Union Territory with a legislature.
The ten Kuki-Zo tribal MLAs, including seven from the BJP, have shown strong support for this demand for a separate administration.
On Saturday, senior BJP leader Yumnam Khemchand Singh commended the Central government for its efforts to restore peace and stability in the conflict-affected Manipur, highlighting Union Home Minister Amit Shah's approach to addressing the crisis.
Singh, who represents the Singjamei constituency in the state Assembly, noted that as part of the initiatives to bring back peace, security forces have effectively conducted operations to recover illegal arms and ammunition.
This MLA, aged 61, stated that the Central government has been implementing various measures to address the ethnic crisis that began on May 3, 2023, which has now persisted for over two years.
“Among the significant actions taken to restore peace in the state, security forces have been conducting operations to recover illicit arms,” remarked the Meitei community leader.
In an official statement, he noted that in the past month, a considerable amount of arms and ammunition had been seized from several locations in the valley districts, with a significant cache recently recovered from the hill districts as well.
Point of View
The decision by the Kuki-Zo MLAs not to engage in the formation of the new government reflects deeper ethnic and political tensions in Manipur. It is critical for all stakeholders to navigate these complexities with sensitivity to foster reconciliation and safeguard the rights of all communities involved. The nation must support inclusive governance that respects diversity and promotes peace.
NationPress
20/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Kuki-Zo MLAs not participating in the new government formation?
The Kuki-Zo MLAs have decided not to participate in forming the new government in Manipur to protect their ancestral lands, culture, and political rights.
What is the demand of the Kuki-Zo tribal organizations?
The Kuki-Zo tribal organizations are demanding the establishment of a separate administration equivalent to a Union Territory with its own legislature.
How many Kuki-Zo MLAs are there?
There are ten MLAs from the Kuki-Zo tribal community.
What actions have been taken by the Central government in Manipur?
The Central government has been implementing measures to restore peace and normalcy, including search operations for illegal arms and ammunition.
What has been the response from the BJP regarding the situation?
Senior BJP leader Yumnam Khemchand Singh praised the Central government's efforts to restore peace and normalcy in Manipur.
