Imphal, Jan 10 (NationPress) The Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF), a leading organization representing tribal communities in Manipur, reaffirmed on Saturday that the ten MLAs from the Kuki-Zo tribal community will not, under any circumstances, engage in the formation of the state government.

The ITLF emphasized that its position remains steadfast, insisting that the Kuki-Zo legislators will abstain from any government formation process until their fundamental demands are met.

The forum highlighted that this decision mirrors the collective sentiment of the Kuki-Zo community in light of the ongoing situation in the state.

In a joint statement, ITLF Chairman Letpu Haokip and General Secretary Thangsuolien Sinate declared that no Kuki-Zo MLA will join the Manipur government.

“Any deviation from this stance will be seen as a betrayal of the united will and sacrifices made by the Kuki-Zo people. Since the onset of ethnic violence in Manipur in May 2023, due to the state government's failure to safeguard the Kuki-Zo community, our ten MLAs have demanded a separate administration from the Union of India. This position is unyielding,” the tribal leaders stated.

Among the ten legislators from the Kuki-Zo community, seven are affiliated with the BJP, while the other three are from smaller local parties.

They mentioned that during a meeting held by the ITLF on Friday, the decision made by the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) governing council was unanimously supported, asserting that the Kuki-Zo people will not join the formation of the Manipur government under the current circumstances.

The joint statement indicated that the Kuki-Zo community has endured brutal treatment, being subjected to violence, public humiliation, and forced removal from the Imphal Valley region.

The statement alleged that thousands of homes have been set ablaze, religious sites vandalized, and over 40,000 individuals remain internally displaced, having lost their homes, land, and livelihoods.

“The violent separation and enforced displacement of the Kuki-Zo people from Meitei-dominated regions have irreparably shattered trust and coexistence. Under these conditions, continuing within the current Manipur administrative framework is untenable. Thus, the demand for a separate administration is both a constitutional and political necessity,” the ITLF stated.

The apex tribal body asserted that the Kuki-Zo community has formally requested the government of India for a Union Territory with legislative powers.

“After formally proposing this political solution, there is no rationale for joining the Manipur government,” the organization expressed.

In the meantime, the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), the primary organization of the Kuki-Zo tribal community in Manipur, announced earlier this week that it would not engage in the formation of the state government under any circumstances.

KZC Chairman Henlianthang Thanglet and General Secretary Thangzamang stated in a joint declaration that the council, in its recent meeting, thoroughly evaluated the existing political, social, and security landscape in Manipur. Following extensive discussions and reflecting the united sentiment of the Kuki-Zo community, the governing council unanimously passed a resolution.

The KZC mentioned that if any individual opts to take part in the formation of the Manipur government, such participation will be at their own risk, and the Kuki-Zo Council will not be held responsible in any way.

However, the Central government, the BJP, and various Meitei groups have repeatedly dismissed the KZC and ITLF's demand for a separate administration such as a Union Territory with legislative powers.