Kuki-Zo Leaders Take Firm Stand on Union Territory Demand
In a significant development that could shape Manipur's political future, Kuki-Zo community leaders have declared they will not participate in any state government formation until their demand for a Union Territory with legislature is addressed by the Central government. This firm position comes just days after high-level BJP delegations visited the state to discuss government formation.
The joint statement issued by Kuki National Organisation and United People's Front following a crucial meeting in Guwahati on November 15 clearly states that any discussion about joining a ministry remains strictly contingent upon progress on this core political objective. The community representatives emphasized that they would not compromise on their fundamental constitutional demand.
High-Level BJP Visits and Political Maneuvering
The political landscape in Manipur has been intensifying with BJP national general secretary B L Santhosh and the party's northeast coordinator Sambit Patra conducting separate meetings with Kuki-Zo MLAs in Churachandpur last week. These visits occurred amid mounting pressure from Meitei and Naga NDA MLAs advocating for the restoration of a popular government in the state.
However, sources within the central BJP leadership have consistently maintained that any government formation process must include Kuki-Zo representatives, acknowledging their crucial role in the state's political equilibrium. This position reflects the complex ethnic dynamics that have characterized Manipur's politics.
Historical Context and Ongoing Demands
Manipur has been under President's Rule since February, following allegations by Kuki-Zo stakeholders that the N Biren Singh-led government demonstrated partiality in its administration. The community had welcomed the imposition of central rule as a necessary intervention.
In their recent declaration, Kuki-Zo organizations reaffirmed their commitment to pursuing the creation of a separate Union Territory with legislature for areas where their community constitutes a majority. They described this as a foundational constitutional demand that would be pursued with persistent and unwavering political effort until the Government of India officially accedes to it.
The political impasse is further complicated by the Centre's reported position during talks held on November 6 and 7, where government representatives indicated that current policy does not support the creation of new Union Territories. This stance appears to directly conflict with the Kuki-Zo community's non-negotiable demand.
Meanwhile, a clarification issued on behalf of the 10 Kuki-Zo MLAs confirmed that no decision regarding joining a popular government was taken during their recent meetings. With seven of these MLAs reportedly participating in the Guwahati deliberations, the community appears united in its strategic approach to the ongoing political negotiations.
The situation remains fluid as all stakeholders navigate the delicate balance between immediate political participation and long-term constitutional aspirations, with the future governance structure of Manipur hanging in the balance.
