KIM Cautions of Curtailing All Political Activities of Any Political Party in Kuki-Zo Areas as KZC Rules Out Joining Manipur Government

In a sharp and unequivocal warning, the apex body of the Kuki tribes—Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM)—has categorically rejected the BJP’s move to form what it termed a “so-called popular government” in Manipur, cautioning that such a step would dangerously destabilize an already volatile state and further deepen the ongoing crisis.

The Kuki apex body described the BJP’s persistent efforts to cobble together a government as deeply disturbing and shocking, particularly at a time when Manipur continues to reel under fragile law and order conditions. KIM asserted that the proposed government would be Meitei-centric, devoid of moral and political legitimacy, and fundamentally incapable of delivering peace, justice, or reconciliation.

“The formation of such a government will only embolden the state machinery to pursue its agenda of domination, persecution, and systematic subjugation of the Kuki-Zo people,” the statement said, warning that far from restoring normalcy, the move would further inflame tensions and push the state towards greater instability.

The Kuki Inpi Manipur made it clear that it has strongly dissuaded all Kuki-Zo MLAs from associating with what it termed an illegitimate political exercise. Reiterating its stance in unambiguous terms, KIM stated that no Kuki-Zo MLA should, under any circumstances, lend legitimacy to a government that stands in complete disregard of the suffering, aspirations, and political will of the Kuki-Zo people.

While clarifying that it does not claim constitutional authority to decide on government formation, KIM emphasized that it holds every moral right to appeal to elected Kuki-Zo representatives to respect the will and sentiments of the people who mandated them.

The organisation further accused the BJP of displaying political obstinacy and indifference to ground realities, stating that the party’s determination to force a government at this juncture exposes a reckless disregard for the grave consequences such a move would have on the future of the state.

Calling for an immediate course correction, KIM urged the Central Government to abandon its obsession with forming a popular government and instead continue President’s Rule in Manipur under appropriate constitutional provisions until a political solution that is just, durable, and acceptable to the Kuki-Zo people is achieved.

Issuing its strongest warning yet, the Kuki Inpi Manipur stated that it is vehemently opposed to any Kuki-Zo MLA joining such a government, and that any MLA choosing to do so must publicly explain their actions, particularly in light of the Guwahati Conclave resolution adopted earlier. Such MLAs, KIM said, would bear full responsibility for the consequences of their decisions.

The statement concluded with a clear and firm declaration that, in the event of the formation of such a government, the Kuki Inpi Manipur will be compelled to curtail all political activities of any political party in Kuki-Zo areas.

Echoing the same stance, the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), in a separate press release issued the same day, categorically reiterated that the Kuki-Zo people cannot and shall not participate in the formation of the Government of Manipur under the prevailing circumstances.

The KZC recalled that a unanimous resolution was adopted at its Governing Council meeting on 30 December 2025, attended by all constituent tribes, apex bodies, and regional organisations, in response to what it described as unspeakable atrocities against the Kuki-Zo people and the forcible physical separation imposed by the Meiteis.

This collective position was reaffirmed on 13 January 2026 at the Lungthu Meeting in Guwahati, a joint forum involving Suspension of Operations (SoO) groups, the Kuki-Zo Council, and Kuki-Zo MLAs. The meeting resolved that participation in the Manipur government would be considered only upon a clear and written assurance from the State and Central Governments committing to the political demand of the Kuki-Zo people.

Reiterating its core demand, the KZC stated that the Kuki-Zo people, having been forcibly and physically separated, have legitimately sought a separate administration in the form of a Union Territory with a legislature, asserting that it is neither logical nor acceptable to join a government formed with those from whom they have been violently separated.

The KZC also issued a stern warning that any Kuki-Zo MLA who defies the collective decision and joins such a government would do so in an individual capacity, and that the organisations will not be held responsible for the consequences of such unilateral actions.

The statements concluded with a firm appeal to all Kuki-Zo legislators to respect the unity, sentiments, and political aspirations of the Kuki-Zo people, while cautioning that any forced political exercise may invite serious repercussions in Kuki-Zo areas.