Kuki-Zo Factions Issue Ultimatum for Manipur Government Formation
Kuki-Zo insurgent groups and elected representatives have taken a firm stand. They will only participate in a new popular government in Manipur under specific conditions. The primary demand remains a separate Union Territory with its own legislature for Kuki-Zo-majority areas.
Guwahati Meeting Sets Clear Preconditions
A crucial gathering occurred in Guwahati on Tuesday. Insurgent groups, MLAs, and civil society leaders from the Kuki-Zo community attended this meeting. They unanimously resolved on several prerequisites for their involvement in state governance.
The central demand involves a written political commitment. Both the state and central governments must provide this document. It should guarantee the creation of a separate Union Territory for Kuki-Zo regions within Manipur.
Participants reiterated this longstanding demand during discussions. They insisted the settlement must be finalized and signed before the current Legislative Assembly's term concludes. The Assembly's normal tenure ends in 2027, creating a clear deadline.
Detailed Conditions from Meeting Minutes
According to official minutes from the Guwahati meeting, the conditions are explicit. The new government must deliver a written commitment supporting the negotiated political settlement. This settlement aims to establish a Union Territory with Legislature under constitutional provisions.
The commitment must follow a time-bound framework. Specifically, execution should occur within the current Assembly tenure. Without such political assurance from both government levels, the meeting reached a decisive resolution.
Participants resolved to respect the political will of their people. They will refrain from taking any part in forming an elected government in Manipur if their demands go unmet.
Broader Political Context in Manipur
This development follows significant political movements. The BJP's top leadership held a key meeting with party MLAs from Manipur on December 14. This gathering brought Kuki and Meitei legislators together under one roof.
Party leaders believe such engagement between community representatives is essential. It serves as a prerequisite for any credible move toward government formation. Four of the seven Kuki-Zo BJP MLAs reportedly participated in this December meeting.
The state has operated under President's Rule for nearly a year now. Sustained pressure comes from Manipur's Meitei and Naga NDA legislators. They want to replace President's Rule with an elected government.
Questions persist about Kuki-Zo MLAs' willingness to join a new state government. These MLAs consistently supported the separate Union Territory demand. They completely rejected engagement with the previous Biren Singh-led government before President's Rule imposition.
Electoral Mathematics and Community Representation
Manipur's Assembly comprises 60 constituencies total. Kuki-Zo MLAs currently represent 10 of these seats. Their participation or boycott significantly impacts government formation possibilities.
The Guwahati meeting included diverse participants. Representatives came from insurgent groups signatory to Suspension of Operation agreements. MLAs from the community and the Kuki-Zo Council civil society organization also attended.
This gathering preceded an upcoming meeting between SoO groups and Union Home Ministry officials. The timing suggests coordinated strategy among Kuki-Zo stakeholders.
The community's unified position creates substantial hurdles for restoring popular government in Manipur. Their demands for territorial separation and legislative autonomy remain non-negotiable prerequisites for political cooperation.
