First Kuki-Zo Council Governing Council Meeting Reaffirms Political Demand for Separate Administration

The first Kuki-Zo Council Governing Council meeting has reaffirmed its political demand for a separate administration in the form of a Union Territory (similar to Puducherry) under Article 239A of the Indian Constitution.

The Kuki-Zo Council held its first meeting on May 13 at READS Auditorium, Rengkai, Churachandpur.

The meeting was attended by 90 delegates representing various tribes and civil society organisations from different Kuki-Zo inhabited districts.

Several issues were discussed, including the collective political future of the Kuki-Zo people, the expansion of the Kuki-Zo Council cabinet, and its budget. A number of resolutions were adopted during the meeting:

Resolutions:

1. The Governing Council unanimously approved the proposal for the expansion of the Kuki-Zo Council cabinet, as recommended by the Chairman. (Four each of Vice-Chairpersons, Joint Secretaries, and Assistant Secretaries.)
2. It was agreed that the Kuki-Zo Council cabinet will draft a comprehensive budget and formulate a method for equitable contribution among all constituent bodies of the Council.
3. After due review, the Governing Council resolved to reaffirm the Kuki-Zo Council Guiding Principles in their current form, without amendments.
4. Regarding the formation of the popular government of Manipur, after much deliberation, it was resolved that the collective opinions of the Council should be conveyed and discussed during the upcoming meeting with the MLAs and the Suspension of Operation (SoO) groups, scheduled for May 16, 2025, in Guwahati.

The meeting was presided over by Ch. Ajang Khongsai, Chief Coordinator of the Kuki-Zo Governing Council, and was officially recorded by Ginza Vualzong, Spokesperson of the Kuki-Zo Council.

During his speech, KZC Chairman Henlianthang stated that, despite differences, the Kuki-Zo people have stood strong in resisting external forces. He noted that the KZC was later established as a political platform for the Kuki-Zo people and emphasized that the Council will continue to pursue the demand for a separate administration under Article 239A.

Highlighting that external forces have been actively trying to disintegrate the unity of the Kuki-Zo people, the Chairman urged all stakeholders to remain strong and united.