Imphal, Jan 17: The Kuki-Zo Council, the apex body representing the Kuki-Zo people of Manipur, has formally demanded a separate administration for the hill areas of the state. A four-member delegation led by Chairman Henlianthang Thanglet presented the request to central government representatives on Friday, calling for the creation of a Union Territory with legislative powers for the Kuki-Zo community living in these areas.
The delegation, which met with a two-member team from the Centre, headed by interlocutor A K Mishra, also urged the government to initiate political dialogue to address the community’s concerns. According to Kuki-Zo Council spokesperson Ginza Vualzong, the demand is aimed at finding a lasting political solution to the issues faced by the community.
The Kuki-Zo community has been seeking a political resolution under Article 239(A) of the Indian Constitution, which would grant administrative autonomy and legislative powers to the hill districts. The Council also stressed the need for strict enforcement of the buffer zone between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities to avoid further ethnic clashes.
The demand comes amid ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur, which has led to the deaths of over 260 people and the displacement of thousands since May 2023. The violence erupted following a “Tribal Solidarity March” in the hill districts, protesting the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.
Despite peace efforts, including a joint meeting of Kuki and Meitei MLAs in Delhi in October 2024, tensions remain high. Meitei organizations have opposed the demand for a separate administration for the Kuki-Zo community, with some calling for the scrapping of Suspension of Operation agreements with Kuki-Zo insurgent groups.
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