Kuki-Zo Council Rules Out Role in Manipur Government Formation, Demands Union Territory Status

Ethnic tensions in Manipur continue as Kuki-Zo leaders reject participation in state administration

KalimNews, New Delhi, 9 January 2026: In a decisive move that could derail efforts by the BJP to form a government in Manipur, the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) has categorically announced that it “cannot and shall not” participate in the state’s government formation process. The announcement comes as Manipur remains under President’s Rule since 13 February 2025, following months of violent clashes between the Imphal Valley-based Meitei community and hill-based Kuki-Zo groups.

The KZC’s statement underscores a long-standing demand for a separate administrative arrangement in tribal-dominated areas, proposing the creation of a Union Territory under the Constitution of India. The council made it clear that any Kuki-Zo individual who chooses to participate in government formation would do so solely in a personal capacity, without any accountability to the KZC.

The resolution was passed during a Governing Council General Meeting held on 30 December 2025 at the VTI Auditorium in Rengkai, Churachandpur, where all constituent bodies of the KZC convened to assess the prevailing political, social, and security situation in Manipur. Following deliberations, the council unanimously concluded that coexistence between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities had become untenable and reaffirmed the demand for a separate administration. These resolutions were subsequently endorsed by the KZC Cabinet in a meeting held earlier this week.

The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the apex traditional and customary body representing the Kuki people, has formally endorsed the KZC’s resolutions. In a statement, the KIM described the decision as reflecting the collective will, democratic aspirations, and lived realities of the Kuki-Zo community. It warned that any attempt to normalise governance without addressing the core grievances of the Kuki-Zo people would be disconnected from ground realities. The body further stated that no Kuki-Zo individual, regardless of political affiliation, should participate in, support, or legitimise the formation of the Manipur Government, as such actions would contradict the community’s clearly expressed mandate.

These developments come amid recent attempts by BJP legislators to initiate government formation in the state, where Assembly elections are scheduled for 2027. In the previous BJP-led government under N. Biren Singh, ten Kuki MLAs held office. With the Kuki-Zo community now refusing to even cohabit politically with the Meitei population, forming a functional government is expected to be a formidable challenge.

A joint meeting of Kuki-Zo civil society organisations, MLAs, and other representatives has been scheduled for 13 January. The United People’s Front (UPF) and Kuki National Organisation (KNO) stated that the meeting will discuss issues critical to the community and the political demand for separate administration, aiming to reach a consensus-based decision.

The human cost of the ongoing conflict in Manipur has been severe. Since May 2023, clashes between the Meiteis and Kuki-Zo groups have claimed at least 260 lives and displaced thousands. The imposition of President’s Rule in February 2025 followed a period of sustained ethnic violence, leaving the state grappling with deep political, social, and security challenges.

In its statement, the KZC reiterated that the creation of a separate Union Territory remains the only viable solution to ensure the safety, political representation, and rights of the Kuki-Zo people. Until such demands are addressed, the council has firmly ruled out participation in any government formation or administration in the state.