Kuki Inpi Manipur Backs KNO–UPF Stand, Reiterates Demand for Separate Administration

The apex body of the Kuki tribes, Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), on Saturday issued a firm political statement endorsing the stand taken by the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and the United People’s Front (UPF) in their ongoing dialogue with the Central Government, asserting that a separate administrative arrangement is the only viable path to lasting peace and security for the Kuki-Zo people.

KIM lauded the KNO and UPF for “standing their ground” and consistently articulating the long-standing demand for a Union Territory with a legislature, stating that the position reflects the collective will, aspirations, and historical political sentiments of the Kuki-Zo community.

The apex body stated that the prolonged ethnic conflict in Manipur has created deep and irreversible fractures, making any meaningful reintegration with the Meitei community untenable. It underscored that the reality of widespread suffering, mass displacement, and loss endured by the Kuki-Zo people cannot be ignored or dismissed.

Reaffirming its stance, KIM declared that the demand for separate administration is neither confrontational nor exclusionary, but a reasoned, democratic, and peaceful assertion of the right to live with dignity, safety, and self-governance. According to the organisation, such an arrangement is essential to ensure protection, equity, and meaningful political and administrative representation for the community.

“The demand is the only viable solution towards lasting peace, dignity, and self-governance,” the statement asserted, adding that political and administrative structures must reflect ground realities to prevent further alienation and injustice.

Kuki Inpi Manipur further urged the Central Government to continue its engagement with sincerity and sensitivity, taking into account the lived experiences and legitimate concerns of the Kuki-Zo people, and to move decisively towards a solution that guarantees long-term stability and justice.