UPF-KNO, Kuki-Zo MLAs Denounce Manipur Valley Media's Misleading Report

A news report published by Manipur's largest circulated newspaper, The Sangai Express on 16 November 2025, titled “Kuki-Zo MLAs decide to join formation of popular Ministry,” has drawn sharp criticism for its misleading narrative, false conclusions, and misrepresentation of events. The report has been categorically refuted by official clarifications issued by both the United Peoples’ Front (UPF) & Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and the Kuki-Zo MLAs.

This development comes unexpectedly and ironically just a day after Manipur observed National Press Day, an occasion devoted to media credibility and responsible journalism. During the event, concerns were raised about the rapid spread of misinformation in strife-torn Manipur. The state IPR Director himself warned that information and misinformation now travel faster than ever, urging media organisations to resist the race to publish first and instead prioritise accurate verification—reminding that even minor distortions in headlines can dangerously escalate tensions.

The Kuki-Zo community has, since the outbreak of the conflict on 3 May 2023, consistently alleged that sections of the Manipur media—particularly those based in Imphal and owned by members of the majority Meitei community—have repeatedly indulged in disseminating inflammatory and misleading information, a pattern that continues unabated to this day.

Both the UPF–KNO and the Kuki-Zo MLAs, it their respective clarifications, make it unequivocally clear that no decision whatsoever was taken to join any future popular Ministry. No resolution was passed, no commitment was made, and several MLAs were not present at the meeting referenced by the newspaper.

The UPF–KNO has described the Sangai Express report as a “complete fabrication” and a “gross misrepresentation”, while the MLAs emphasised that the news item has created unnecessary public confusion based on claims that have no basis in fact.

Contrary to the Sangai Express report, the principal agenda of the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) conference held on 15 November 2025 was the urgent political demand for a Union Territory with Legislature—or a Separate Administration.
Discussions on the possibility of joining any future Ministry were merely exploratory, and many representatives strongly opposed the idea unless and until the Government of India issues an unequivocal statement on the political aspirations of the Kuki-Zo people.

No agreement, endorsement, or commitment emerged from these deliberations.

The Sangai Express’ claim that it was “agreed” that Kuki-Zo MLAs would join a popular Ministry is unfounded, unsupported, and directly contradicted by two independent official clarifications.
This incident adds to a concerning pattern of biased and misleading reporting on Kuki-Zo affairs, particularly since the eruption of the Manipur conflict. Such distortions not only misinform the public but also threaten to aggravate existing tensions at a time when responsible journalism is most needed.

The Kuki-Zo MLAs have urged the public not to be misled by unfounded news items and appealed to media houses to adhere to the basic principles of journalistic ethics—verification, accuracy, and accountability. The continued publication of unverified or sensationalised reports risks undermining delicate political negotiations and harming communal harmony.

The Kuki-Zo MLAs, together with the UPF–KNO and all Kuki-Zo leadership bodies, reaffirm their unwavering commitment to the community’s political aspiration for a UT with Legislature or Separate Administration.
Any claim suggesting that they have agreed to join a popular Ministry is incorrect and does not reflect the proceedings or decisions of the meeting in question.