Kuki-Zo Council Warns of MLAs’ Exit,SoO Review Over Unmet UT Demand

The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) has accused the government of selective justice and discrimination against the Kuki-Zo people in Manipur, alleging that the killings of Kuki-Zo civilians have not received the same level of response as incidents involving other communities.

In a statement issued by its Secretary for Information and Publicity, the KZC claimed that more than 250 Kuki-Zo people had been killed in violence attributed to Meitei groups since May 3, 2023, while over 40,000 people had been displaced following the destruction of homes and places of worship in the Imphal Valley.

The council further alleged that since March 2026, another 32 Kuki-Zo civilians had been killed in violence attributed to the National Socialist Council of Nagalim-Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM) and the Zeliangrong United Front (K), or ZUF(K), with several villages reportedly burnt.

The KZC questioned what it described as unequal government responses to violence involving different communities. It alleged that following the recent killing of three Meitei civilians, security forces seized one of its Suspension of Operations (SoO) camps, despite there being no established link between the camp and the killings.

In contrast, the council alleged that NSCN-IM continued to operate freely despite accusations of involvement in the killing of Kuki-Zo civilians. It also questioned the applicability of the group's ceasefire arrangement in Manipur.

Raising concerns over the protection of Kuki-Zo civilians, the council asked whether the community was receiving equal protection and justice as Indian citizens. It said its people continued to face killings, displacement and dispossession while their grievances remained unresolved and political dialogue remained stalled.

The KZC reiterated its demand for a Separate Administration in the form of a Union Territory with a Legislature, describing it as essential for the community's security, preservation of identity and right to live with dignity and govern its own affairs.

The council maintained that it could not accept the status quo while the security of its people remained uncertain and its political aspirations continued to be unaddressed.

Warning of possible escalation in its political response, the KZC said that if the government failed to take concrete steps to ensure security, deliver justice and advance a meaningful political solution, it would consider stronger measures.

These could include calling upon elected Kuki-Zo MLAs to withdraw from participation in the Manipur Government and urging SoO groups to reconsider their cooperation with the government.

The council concluded by demanding a decisive political settlement that would guarantee the security of the Kuki-Zo people, safeguard their identity and enable them to govern their own affairs with dignity.