In a significant development that could shape Manipur's political future, Kuki-Zo community leaders have declared they will not join any state government until their demand for a separate Union Territory with legislature is addressed by the central government. This stance comes days after high-level BJP discussions aimed at forming a popular government in the state, which has been under President's Rule since February 2025.
Political Standoff Intensifies
Following a crucial meeting in Guwahati on November 15, Kuki-Zo representatives including community MLAs and leaders from the Kuki National Organisation and United People's Front issued a joint statement clarifying their position. The statement emphasized that any discussion about joining a ministry remains strictly contingent upon progress toward their core political objective of creating a Union Territory with legislative powers for areas where their community forms the majority.
The meeting, which included representatives from groups under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with the government, saw intense debates about participating in government formation. Many representatives strongly asserted that Kuki-Zo MLAs should refrain from joining any popular ministry until the Government of India provides an unequivocal statement regarding their Union Territory demand.
BJP's Reconciliation Efforts
The political declaration follows a visit by BJP national general secretary (organisation) B L Santhosh and the party's northeast coordinator Sambit Patra to Manipur last week. During their visit, the BJP leaders met with party MLAs from all communities, holding separate discussions with Kuki-Zo MLAs in Churachandpur.
This high-level intervention came amid mounting pressure from Meitei and Naga NDA MLAs who have been campaigning for months to restore a popular government in the state. However, sources within the central BJP have consistently indicated that any government formation must include representation from Kuki-Zo communities to ensure stability and inclusivity.
Historical Context and Current Demands
The political landscape in Manipur has been volatile since the Biren Singh-led government was accused by Kuki-Zo stakeholders of partiality, leading to their support for President's Rule when it was imposed in February. The community has historically felt marginalized and has now consolidated around the demand for a separate administrative structure.
In a declaration issued on Monday, Kuki-Zo organizations reaffirmed their commitment to pursuing the Union Territory demand with persistent, sustained, and unwavering political effort until the Government of India officially accedes to what they term their foundational constitutional demand.
This firm position presents a significant challenge to the central government, which had reportedly informed the SoO groups during talks held on November 6 and 7 that current policy does not support the creation of new Union Territories. The clarification issued on behalf of the 10 Kuki-Zo MLAs, seven of whom attended the Guwahati meeting, specifically noted that no decision on joining a popular government was taken during their discussions.
The ongoing political impasse underscores the complex ethnic and political dynamics in Manipur, where finding a balanced solution that addresses the concerns of all communities remains a pressing challenge for the central government and all stakeholders involved.
