The very notion that a non-tribal organisation is proposing fundamental changes to tribal land governance highlights deep disregard for tribal rights says Kuki Zo Council.
Reacting to a memorandum of Meetei Tribe Union, seeking abolition of tribal chieftainship reportedly forwarded by Manipur Home Department to relevant authorities for early action, Kuki Zo Council issued a release on Monday.
The council expresses strong objection to the renewed attempts to activate the Manipur Hill Areas (Acquisition of Chiefs Rights) Act, 1967.
“Though enacted decades ago, the Act was never implemented because it would dismantle the traditional chieftainship system and tribal land ownership safeguarded under constitutional protections for the hill peoples. Any move to enforce this Act directly threatens the heritage, autonomy, and identity of the Kuki-Zo community” KZC stated.
KZC stated that on November 24, a memorandum from the Meetei Tribe Union seeking the abolition of tribal chieftainship was reportedly forwarded by the Home Department of Manipur to relevant authorities for early action.
KZC stated that “The very notion that a non-tribal organization is proposing fundamental changes to tribal land governance highlights deep disregard for tribal rights. At a time when Manipur remains in a state of conflict and displacement, raising such a destabilizing issue is a deliberate move against the Kuki-Zo and risks further escalation”
The council urged the governor of Manipur to intervene urgently and ensure that the matter is not taken forward under present circumstances.
KZC also expressed equal concerned by the North Eastern Council's announcement on November 27, 2025 that 2.13 crores has been sanctioned for a Hill Chief's Guest House at Palace Compound, Imphal a location where Kuki-Zo chiefs and citizens cannot safely enter today.
Stating that such decisions shows disconnect from ground realities and do not prioritize the urgent needs of conflict-affected tribal communities, the council call upon the NEC to withhold this project until an environment of peace and accessibility is restored.
KZC went on to state that such developments underscore the continuing marginalization and insecurity faced by the Kuki-Zo in Manipur.
“Protecting our land, institutions, and rights is non-negotiable. Lasting peace and stability demand a political arrangement that guarantees safety, dignity, and self-governance for the Kuki-Zo people” stated the release.
Kuki Zo Council urged the Government of India to expedite political talks and deliver a fair, just, and permanent solution without delay
The Hills Journal
K. Salbung, Churachandpur
Manipur-795128
