Kuki-Zo Organizations Condemn Deputy CM Appointment as Defiance of Separate Administration Demand
The appointment of BJP's Kuki-Zo MLA Nemcha Kipgen as deputy chief minister of Manipur on Wednesday has triggered strong criticism from major Kuki organizations, including the apex Kuki Zo Council. These groups argue that this political move directly undermines their longstanding demand for a separate administrative arrangement specifically for the Kuki-Zo people.
Council Warns of Consequences and Rejects Accountability
The Kuki Zo Council issued a clear warning, stating they would not be held responsible for any consequences arising from this appointment. In a firm statement, the council emphasized that Kipgen's inclusion in the state government represents a defiance of a collective mandate. This action sends a clear message to Delhi that without formal recognition of the Kuki-Zo demand for a union territory with a legislature, participation in Manipur's government is not authorized by the community.
"KZC further clarifies that any Kuki-Zo MLA who chooses to disregard the collective decision taken at the Lungthu meeting will be doing so in their individual capacity and KZC shall not be held accountable for the consequences arising from such unilateral decisions," the council stated definitively.
Reiteration of Lungthu Meeting Resolutions
The KZC, serving as the umbrella body for all constituent tribes and organizations, reminded the public of the resolutions adopted during the Lungthu Meeting in Guwahati on January 13. This crucial gathering was jointly attended by Suspension of Operations (SoO) groups, the council itself, and Kuki-Zo MLAs. The resolution explicitly declared that participation in Manipur's government would only be permissible if both the State and Central governments provided a clear, written assurance regarding the political demand of the Kuki-Zo people.
This demand specifically calls for a separate administration in the form of a Union Territory with its own legislature. "Till date, KZC stands unwavering in this decision. The Kuki-Zo people have been forcibly and physically separated by the Meiteis, and therefore have legitimately demanded a separate administration from the Meitei government in the form of a Union Territory with a legislature," the council elaborated.
Logical and Ethical Opposition to Government Participation
The council further argued that under the current circumstances, it is neither logical nor acceptable for the Kuki-Zo people to join a government formed with those from whom they have been violently separated. This stance was reinforced by recalling the December Governing Body meeting, which resolved: "In view of the unspeakable atrocities committed against the Kuki-Zo people and the enforced physical separation imposed by the Meiteis, the Kuki-Zo people cannot and shall not participate in the formation of the Government of Manipur."
KZC reiterated that any MLA who disregards this collective decision acts purely in an individual capacity, and the council will not bear accountability for the resulting consequences. The council urgently called upon all ten Kuki-Zo legislators—comprising seven from BJP, two from Kuki People's Alliance, and one independent—to respect the collective will, sentiments, and aspirations of their people.
Human Rights Council Echoes Concerns and Warns of Threats
Echoing this perspective, the Kuki Human Rights Council (KHRC) urged the BJP-led central government to reconsider its approach. The KHRC issued a stark warning that forming a government in Manipur without addressing the Kuki question would pose a grave threat to tribal democracy in the region.
The KHRC stated that the demand for a separate Kuki administration remains unwavering and is viewed as the only viable solution to address decades of historical injustice, systemic neglect, and profound marginalization faced by the community. This appointment has thus intensified longstanding tensions and highlighted the deep political divisions within Manipur's governance structure.
