Imphal, October 29, 2026: The Kuki-Zo Council has warned of stronger political action in Manipur, including asking Kuki-Zo MLAs to withdraw from the state government and urging armed groups to reconsider cooperation under the Suspension of Operations framework.
The Council said the warning comes amid what it described as selective state action and the continued absence of a political solution to the ethnic conflict.
Separate Union Territory Demand Repeated
The Kuki-Zo Council again demanded a separate Union Territory with a legislature for Kuki-Zo-majority areas.
It argued that the existing administrative arrangement has failed to provide adequate security and political representation.
MLAs Could Be Asked to Quit Government
The Council said that if there is no meaningful progress, it may ask Kuki-Zo legislators to withdraw from the Manipur government.
Such a move could increase political pressure on the state administration ahead of Assembly elections expected next year.
SoO Cooperation Also Questioned
The Council also said armed groups associated with the Suspension of Operations agreement could be asked to review their cooperation with the government.
The SoO framework has historically involved the Centre, Manipur government and Kuki-Zo militant groups.
Truce Pact Currently Lapsed
The latest SoO agreement expired on September 4, 2026 and had not been renewed as of late October, according to state officials.
That adds uncertainty to the Council’s warning about continued cooperation under the truce framework.
October 19 Killings Fuel Fresh Tensions
The latest confrontation follows the killing of three Meitei men near the Imphal East–Kangpokpi border on October 19.
An official probe is examining whether a dispute over tree felling in the Khongbal Sunulok Hills helped trigger the violence.
Security Forces Inspect Militant Camp
After the killings, security forces inspected the Sinai Camp, a designated SoO-linked camp near the area.
Officials said 17 people were detained after their identities did not match the registered cadre list.
Council Alleges Selective Action
The Kuki-Zo Council accused authorities of acting quickly after violence against Meitei civilians while failing to respond with the same urgency to attacks against Kuki-Zo people.
The state government has not accepted the Council’s broader allegations of discriminatory action.
Violence Has Displaced Tens of Thousands
The Council said more than 250 Kuki-Zo people have died and over 40,000 have been displaced since ethnic violence began in May 2023.
These figures are claims from the Council and may differ from official consolidated counts.
Political Pressure Set to Increase
The warning signals a new phase in the Kuki-Zo political strategy, combining demands for territorial reorganisation with possible withdrawal from the state government and reduced cooperation with security arrangements.
Further developments will depend on whether the Centre and Manipur government reopen substantive political talks with Kuki-Zo representatives.
Source: The Indian Express, Times of India
Supreme News Network
