No Kuki-Zo MLA shall join the Manipur Government: ITLF

The Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF), in its meeting held on friday, unanimously endorsed the decision of the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) Governing Council that the Kuki-Zo people cannot and shall not join the formation of the Manipur Government under the present circumstances.

In a release issued on Saturday, ITLF  stated that the Kuki-Zo people have been subjected to inhuman treatment-killed, butchered, paraded naked, and forcibly chased out from the Imphal Valley. 

The Kuki Zo body stated that thousands of houses have been burnt, places of worship destroyed and desecrated, and over 40,000 people remain internally displaced, having lost their homes, land, and livelihoods.

"The violent separation and forced displacement of the Kuki-Zo people from Meitei-dominated areas have irreversibly broken trust and coexistence. Under such conditions, continuing within the present Manipur administratíve framework is untenable. Hence, the demand for a Separate Administration is a constitutional and political necessity" ITLF stated.

Accordingly, the Kuki-Zo people have placed their demand for a Union Territory with a legislature before the Government of India. After formally seeking this political solution, there is no logic in joining the Manipur Government says ITLF.

ITLF recalled that on 12 May 2023, following the failure of the Manipur State to protect the Kuki-Zo people, Kuki Zo MLAs sought Separate Administration from the Union of India.

 "This position stands firm. No Kuki-Zo MLA shall join the Manipur Government. Any deviation shall be viewed as a betrayal of the collective will and sacrifices of the Kuki Zo people", the Kuki Zo body added.