Centre Rules Out Creation of Separate Union Territory for Kuki-Zo Groups After Manipur Clashes

Centre Rejects Kuki-Zo Groups’ Demand for Union Territory, Stresses Dialogue and Rehabilitation in Manipur

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has rejected demands from Kuki-Zo organisations for the creation of a separate Union Territory in Manipur, while reiterating its commitment to address governance and rehabilitation issues affecting the tribal community.

The decision came after a two-day meeting held in New Delhi on November 6 and 7 between MHA officials, led by northeast advisor A.K. Mishra, and leaders of the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and United People’s Front (UPF) — the umbrella bodies representing Kuki-Zo armed groups under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement.

Centre Sticks to Policy on Union Territories

According to officials familiar with the discussion, the MHA made it clear that the Centre’s current policy “does not support the creation of new Union Territories.” Instead, it focused on addressing administrative, security, and humanitarian challenges in the wake of last year’s ethnic violence.

The meetings also reviewed progress on the tripartite agreement signed on September 4 between the MHA, the Manipur government, and Kuki-Zo representatives.

Kuki-Zo Delegation Reasserts Political Demand

During the talks, KNO and UPF leaders reiterated their demand for a Union Territory with a legislative assembly, arguing that “coexistence under Manipur’s current administrative setup is no longer possible” after the May 2023 violence that erupted in Imphal.

They cited historical grounds, noting that the Kuki-Zo Hills were classified as “Excluded Areas” under the Government of India Act, 1935, and administered separately from the Meitei monarchy. The delegation said that the 1949 merger of Manipur into India had subsumed the hill regions into a valley-centric governance model that neglected tribal autonomy.

“The demand is not secessionist,” one representative reportedly said. “We seek restoration of pre-Independence autonomy within the Indian Constitution.”

Talks Cover Land Rights, Displacement

Both sides also discussed land ownership, forest governance, and the role of traditional tribal chiefs. The Kuki-Zo leaders urged the Centre to protect customary land rights, ease land registration procedures, and improve access to administrative services for districts cut off from Imphal since the violence.

Displacement and rehabilitation were key issues on the agenda. Officials said efforts would be made to accelerate relief measures for internally displaced persons and build trust between affected communities.

Continued Engagement Ahead

Both parties agreed to maintain dialogue and explore long-term political and administrative solutions. The next round of discussions is expected to be scheduled in the coming weeks as part of ongoing efforts to stabilise Manipur and rebuild inter-community confidence.